The very first European Finance Convention was held in 1987, on the prospects for a European Single Currency. A rotating EU Presidency Convention has been subsequently held every year so as to coincide with end-of-year Inter-Government Conferences and EU Summit.

Over the years, the European Finance Convention has provided a unique annual platform for senior officials from the Commission, European Governments, Central Banks, Regulators and leading financial sector trade associations, alongside specialist participants from the private sector.

It gives an opportunity for interaction between the top market experts - from Iceland in the North, to Turkey in the East. As the Euro-Zone of Western Europe has evolved in the past decade, the spotlight has been turning increasingly on the experience of these new Europe markets.

The role of the European Finance Convention is to provide a platform for communication, networking and debate. It has been reflected in the quality and diversity of our keynote speakers over the years. Several European Commissioners (including past Presidents of the Commission), have participated, complementing the range of National Government Ministers, Governors of Central Banks and their opposite numbers in pan- European economic and financial institutions.

Risk Management in Accession Countries, e-Commerce in Central, Eastern and South Eastern Europe, Financing Infrastructure and Municipalities in CEE/SEE, the development of Mortgages Market and Housing Finance in the Region, Access to Finance for SMEs, Funding European Innovation these are the wide range of topics the European Finance Convention addresses in its events on an annual basis.

They provide each time a unique opportunity to present the very latest innovations in banking technology and best practice to the banking community and the corporate treasurers. It focuses on the business aspects of modern banking within an ever increasing competitive environment in the financial services industry. In that respect, EFC's congresses have established themselves as one of the leading platforms for the exchange of information about opportunities and strategic solutions to the issues facing financial institutions and their clients.

In this respect, our Municipal/Infrastructure Finance Congress has become a prestigious, well-established and one of the flagship events of our organisation!

The Foundation also provides high-level Forums on issues related to (1) the EU Accession, (2) the EU Euro- Med initiative and to the Middle East/Gulf countries and their relation with the Euro-Zone.

These latter Conferences focus on EU, public and private sector investments and trading opportunities as well as with partnerships and co-operation. They have a pioneering role designed as they are aimed to promote dialogue and awareness on the importance of both the Euro-Med Partenariat process and the East/West integration.

The European Finance Convention Foundation also tailors an event for an Organization or a Government. In this respect, we run the entire event from start to finish or co-host it.

These events largely focus on trade and investment opportunities as well as on the financial services sector within a re-generated economic, banking and financial environment in a selected number of countries located in Central, Eastern and South Eastern Europe.

So far we have organised 10 such conferences and Summits, and having focused our activities in the Balkan region for the last years, we have already organised Business and Investment Summits in Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia & Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Albania, Georgia, Moldova, Kosovo, Lithuania, Macedonia. Now it is Cyprus’ turn to be showcased!