TMEDE is a full member of European Association of Guarantee Institutions
The Engineers and Public Works Contractors Fund (TMEDE) is pleased to announce its induction as a full member of the European Association of Guarantee Institutions (AECM). This milestone—formalized through a signing ceremony in Brussels between TMEDE President Konstantinos Makedos and AECM Secretary General Katrin Sturm—strengthens support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by expanding access to guarantees and introducing new support programs. These initiatives aim to reinforce SMEs’ financial stability and growth, underscoring TMEDE’s commitment to economic development and innovation.
TMEDE submitted its application for AECM membership on May 14, 2018, with the goal of expanding support for small and medium-sized enterprises. Following a positive recommendation by the Board of Directors, AECM members unanimously confirmed that TMEDE meets all membership requirements.
Founded in 1992, AECM represents 48 members across 28 countries. It has provided guarantees to more than 2.8 million SMEs, and in 2017, its guarantee portfolio exceeded €125 billion, covering 3.1 million guarantee letters.
As a member, TMEDE gained access to international best practices, sector developments, and key reports and studies, and continues to benefit from these resources. The Fund has also received expert guidance on financial instruments, structural funds, state aid, and digitalization.
TMEDE has since maintained and continues to benefit from direct institutional representation at major international bodies, including the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Council, the European Investment Bank, the European Investment Fund (EIF), the OECD, and the World Bank.
Commenting on the development, TMEDE President Konstantinos Makedos stated:
“Achieving full membership in AECM is a significant milestone for the Engineers and Public Works Contractors Fund (TMEDE). Our successful evaluation and participation in this esteemed organization enhance our credibility and broaden opportunities for Greek SMEs, scientists, and the technical community. We are committed to leveraging these prospects to strengthen our sector’s expertise and dynamism, rejuvenate the economy, mitigate brain drain, and support emerging scientists.”
AECM President Bernhard Sagmeister welcomed TMEDE into the association, noting:
“We are delighted to welcome TMEDE as a full member of AECM. TMEDE has an impressive track record of supporting more than 30,000 engineers, scientists, and SMEs in Greece. With President Konstantinos Makedos and his highly skilled team, we look forward to launching new initiatives that will benefit SMEs and our societies as a whole.”
AECM
The European Association of Guarantee Institutions (AECM), established in 1992 in Brussels, is an international nonprofit organization comprising 48 members operating across 28 EU countries, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Russia, and Turkey. Its members include private guarantee institutions and public entities, such as guarantee funds and development banks with guarantee divisions. Their shared mission is to provide guaranteed loans to small and medium-sized enterprises that have a sound business plan but cannot offer sufficient collateral to secure bank financing
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