European industry leaders from the construction, agriculture and legal sectors gathered in Brussels yesterday to discuss the benefits of the Mining, Agriculture, and Construction (MAC) Protocol and its potential to improve equipment financing across Europe and globally.
The event, co-organized by the Committee for European Construction Equipment (CECE), the European Agricultural Machinery Association (CEMA), and the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT), focused on how the MAC Protocol can facilitate an easier and safer access to credit when investing in high-value machinery. By creating a common international legal framework, the protocol will help reducing financial risks and improve lending conditions—particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.
CECE President Jose Antonio Nieto called the MAC Protocol a major step forward for the industries represented, stating: "The MAC Protocol is a game-changer for our sectors. It is designed to enhance legal certainty, facilitate access to credit, and support investment in high-value equipment, including machinery used in construction, agriculture, and mining. These industries form the backbone of European infrastructure development, food security, and resource management. By reducing financial risks and improving asset-based financing options, the MAC Protocol opens new doors for companies of all sizes—especially SMEs—to expand their operations and invest in innovation."
CEMA Secretary General Jelte Wiersma underlined the benefits for the agricultural sector, adding: "Farmers need modern, efficient machinery to stay competitive and meet sustainability goals, but access to financing can be a real hurdle. The MAC Protocol can help change that by making financing more accessible and predictable. This will allow more farmers to invest in the equipment they need to produce food efficiently and sustainably."
UNIDROIT Secretary-General Ignacio Tirado highlighted the broad impact of the protocol and the importance of international cooperation in making it a reality: "The MAC Protocol has been developed through years of collaboration between legal experts, industry representatives, and governments. It offers a clear and effective framework for financing equipment across borders, reducing costs, and creating a more secure environment for lenders and businesses alike."
Throughout the event, speakers and participants discussed the practical benefits of the MAC Protocol, what its adoption would mean for European industries and the next steps required for implementation at both the national and EU levels. There was broad agreement that bringing the protocol into force would strengthen European manufacturers, improve financing conditions, and support long-term investment in innovation and sustainability.
CECE, CEMA, and UNIDROIT are calling on European governments and industry stakeholders to move forward with ratifying the MAC Protocol, recognizing its potential to boost economic growth and competitiveness across key industrial sectors.
For more information on the MAC Protocol and its benefits, please visit UNIDROIT’s website.