European Forum on Payment Culture

January 25th 2027 - Brussels - European Parliament

1st European Forum on Payment Culture

Dear Members and Partners,

FECMA – the Federation of European Credit Management Associations – is pleased to invite you to the 1st European Forum on Payment Culture, to be held on 25th January 2027 at the European Parliament in Brussels, at the invitation of Peter Agius, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for Malta.

Payment culture is a key issue for European businesses. Across Europe, payment practices and payment delays directly affect companies’ cash flow, financial resilience and competitiveness.

This first European Forum will bring together representatives from European institutions, national Credit Management associations, businesses, experts and key stakeholders to share perspectives, compare practices and foster dialogue at European level.

The Forum will address four major challenges facing European businesses:

• Pressure on companies’ cash flow;
• The increase in payment defaults and bankruptcies;
• Increased risks for SMEs;
• The need for greater transparency and security of financial flows.

AGENDA

The programme will feature three 45-minute roundtables, combining moderated discussion and audience Q&A:

Payment delays and payment terms

How can Europe address late payments and improve payment practices to better protect companies’ cash flow?

E-invoicing, transparency and security of financial flows

How can the transformation of invoicing practices contribute to greater transparency, security and efficiency across Europe?

Insolvencies, financing and business resilience

How can businesses anticipate financial risks, strengthen their resilience and respond to increasing insolvency pressures?

The roundtables will bring together experts and speakers from European institutions and the public and private sectors.

The detailed programme and speakers will be announced shortly.

* The conference program, including speakers, sessions, and timing, is subject to change without prior notice. While every effort will be made to maintain the advertised agenda, unforeseen circumstances may require adjustments. The organizers reserve the right to make substitutions or modifications as necessary to ensure the quality and smooth running of the event.

A FECMA INITIATIVE AT THE HEART OF EUROPE

The Forum is organised by FECMA, bringing together its network of national Credit Management associations across Europe.

Katia Dumont, FECMA Board Member and Vice-President International of AFDCC, is coordinating the preparation of the three roundtables and the involvement of experts and speakers from across Europe.

JOIN US IN BRUSSELS OR ONLINE

FECMA invites its members and partners across Europe to take part in this inaugural event, either in person at the European Parliament in Brussels or online.

When registering, participants will be asked to:

• select their national association;
• choose their preferred mode of participation: in person or online.

The event will be held entirely in English.

Practical information regarding access to the European Parliament and online participation will be provided to registered participants.

We look forward to bringing the European Credit Management community together in Brussels for this first edition and creating a new forum for dialogue, cooperation and exchange on payment culture across Europe.

speakers

partners - fecma members