The Commission has adopted a new strategy to channel savings into productive investments. It seeks to increase EU citizens’ participation in capital markets with broader investment options and improved financial literacy, fostering their wealth and boosting the EU economy.
About 70% of household savings in the EU – worth €10 trillion – are held as bank deposits. They are safe and easy to access but usually earn less money than investments in capital markets. The new strategy can support EU citizens in building their household wealth and saving better for the future. Thanks to the savings and investments union, citizens who wish to invest will have better opportunities to invest in capital markets. This means having easy, simple and low-cost access to a wide variety of investment opportunities.
More investments in capital markets support the economy by enabling EU companies to grow and thrive. This can create better jobs with higher salaries for workers, and drive investment and growth across all economic sectors.
The strategy also aims at enhancing the integration and competitiveness of the EU banking sector, including through the deepening of the banking union.
EU institutions, EU countries, and all key stakeholders will need to work together to achieve the savings and investments union. The strategy will be further developed, and measures will be taken in specific areas to boost competitiveness in the EU economy, focusing first on the most impactful actions in 2025.
The EU must unlock its potential to achieve its goals linked to competitiveness, security, and digital and green transitions. By developing an integrated banking system and capital markets, the savings and investments union can bridge the gap between savings and investment needs.
For more information
Competitiveness
Press release: savings and investments union
Q&A: savings and investments union
Factsheet: savings and investments union
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