14:30 – 17:30
Sightseeing
Tour
Preliminary Agenda
Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Mostar and neighbouring attractions
Old Bridge, Mostar
18:30 – 22:00
Opening dinner
Transfer to the venue and dinner at Old Bridge Mostar.
Dress Code: Smart casual. Comfortable flat shoes are recommended due to the cobblestone and uneven surfaces at the venue.
Wednesday, 16 September 2026 – Conference
Ljetnikovac Radobolja, Mostar
08:30 – 09:00
Registration
Arrival, registration and welcome coffee.
09:00 – 09:30
Conference Opening
Welcome remarks
09:30 – 09:35
EFSE in Retrospect – 20 Years of Driving Inclusive Growth
A look back at EFSE’s role in strengthening financial systems, supporting MSMEs and building resilience across the region.
09:40 – 10:10
Opening Keynote
Global uncertainty, EU–region interlinkages and what growth, resilience and competitiveness mean for emerging Europe today.
10:15 – 11:15
Panel 1 | Adaptive Finance for MSMEs in Dynamic Markets
How financial institutions can continue supporting MSMEs when volatility is persistent. The discussion will explore lessons from recent crises and practical approaches to resilience on the ground.
Participants
Moderated by
11:15 – 11:45
Coffee Break
11:45 – 12:00
Signing Ceremony
12:00 – 12:20
Fireside Chat | Entrepreneurial Journeys
An interactive discussion featuring two entrepreneurs / business owners from the EFSE regions, sharing insights, experiences, and perspectives on key market developments.
Moderated by Emina Pazalja, Moderator of the Conference
12:20 – 13:00
Panel 2 | Mobilizing Capital at Scale for MSMEs
The panel will explore how blended finance and public-private partnerships can mobilize more capital for MSMEs in the context of geopolitical uncertainty, with a particular focus on what private investors need to engage actively and sustainably.
Participants
Moderated by
13:00 – 14:00
Networking Lunch
14:00 – 14:15
Signing Ceremony
14:20 – 15:10
Panel 3 | Building Resilient Agri-Food Systems
How to finance agriculture and agri-food value chains amid climate, geopolitical and supply chain pressures, while supporting competitiveness and regional integration.
Participants
Moderated by
15:15 – 15:30
Fireside Chat | Building Europe's Future through resilient local economies
Moderated by
15:30 – 16:20
Panel 4 | Turning Women’s Resilience into Growth
A conversation on access to finance for women-led businesses, practical support needs and scalable solutions for inclusive economic growth.
Participants
Moderated by
16:20 – 16:30
Closing Session
Key takeaways and a forward-looking perspective on EFSE’s priorities around inclusion, sustainability and EU convergence.
Hotel Buna, Mostar
20:00 onwards
