NEFI High-Level Meeting in Athens

On 1–2 October 2026, representatives of NEFI member institutions met in Athens for the NEFI High-Level Meeting, hosted by the Hellenic Development Bank.

The first day focused on the future positioning of national promotional banks and institutions and how their mandates and business models are evolving in response to new economic and policy priorities. Members also reviewed NEFI’s recent activities and the work programme for 2026–2028.

Members signed the NEFI Joint Statement, setting out common priorities for the future role of NPBIs, including competitiveness, resilience, mobilisation of private financing, simplification of EU requirements and closer cooperation between promotional institutions. They also signed Amendment No. 11 to the NEFI Co-operation Agreement, introducing the NEFI Presidency. HDB became the first institution to hold the Presidency, which will continue until the next High-Level Meeting.

The second day focused on AI and data-driven decision-making, with external experts and representatives from promotional banks discussing responsible AI governance, practical applications, implementation challenges and cooperation between NPBIs.

The meeting also confirmed the value of NEFI as a platform for practical exchange between members and for developing common approaches to emerging challenges in SME and promotional finance.