The European Microfinance Programme (EMP) was launched in 2005 in response to a growing demand for training in development activities, particularly in microfinance. Currently, the EMP is jointly organised by three European universities (Universit Libre de Bruxelles, Universit de Mons and Universit de Paris-Dauphine) and five non-governmental organizations ADA, BRS, CERISE, Positive Planet and SOS Faim.The purpose of the programme is to train microfinance professionals from both the North and the South and contribute to the strengthening of microfinance institutions worldwide in accordance with the highest international standards.