EBF MORNING BRIEF    Thursday 17 July 2025

FROM THE MEDIA

Reuters: German cabinet approves mid-term fiscal plan for Brussels

Germany's cabinet backed a medium-term fiscal plan that sets the stage for talks with the European Commission, aiming to maintain EU fiscal rules compliance, reports Reuters. Read more

Bloomberg: Bank of France Recommends Cutting Regulated Savings Rate to 1.7%

The Bank of France has proposed lowering the rate on regulated savings accounts to 1.7% from 2%, citing slowing inflation and monetary policy alignment, writes Bloomberg. Read more

Politico: No relief for UK’s Reeves as sticky inflation hits rate cut hopes

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces mounting pressure as persistent inflation tempers market expectations for imminent interest rate cuts, says Politico. Read more

Euronews: Small business owners in Bulgaria brace for switch from lev to euro in 2026

As Bulgaria prepares to adopt the euro in 2026, small business owners express concern over the financial and operational impact of the currency transition, reports Euronews. Read more

S&P Global Market Intelligence: UK banks set to report significant hikes in loan loss provisions

Lloyds is expected to register the largest increase in second-quarter loan loss provisions among the UK's top five banks, according to Visible Alpha consensus estimates, reports S&P Global Market Intelligence. Read more

EVENTS

Thursday 17 July

• EBF: Online launch of the new C-ESG Risk Roundtable Scenario Analysis Workstream report - webinar 

• ECB: Euro area seasonally adjusted HICP (Dataset: ICP) 

• Knowledge Rights 21 ‘Wrong Question, Wrong Answer? Time to Rescope the Debate on AI Regulation’ Webinar 

Friday 18 July

• Bundesbank: Gestalte deine eigene Münze Workshop 

• ECB: Euro area monthly balance of payments (Dataset: BPS) 

FROM THE EBF  

EBF calls for coordination among authorities towards a fully integrated reporting system in Europe

The EBF called for authorities to increase coordination across their respective initiatives in order to streamline the reporting burden for banks. The EBF has been working closely with authorities to support both individual and collective efforts. However, it stressed that further coordination among authorities is essential, especially as authorities aim to simplify the reporting burden for banks. Read more

EBF Vacancies! Work with us!

Visit our Vacancies page to learn more about the opening. Read more

FROM EBF MEMBERS

UK Finance: Financial inclusion — the hidden impact of digitised payments – and what can be done

UK Finance highlights how the shift towards digital payments can unintentionally exclude vulnerable groups and calls for coordinated action by policymakers and industry to ensure inclusive access to financial services. Read more

Association of German Banks: Raw material security has a price – but doing nothing costs more

The Association of German Banks stresses the strategic importance of securing raw material supply chains for the economy, warning that inaction could prove far costlier in the long term. Read more (DE)

Finance Latvia: With the support of BluOr Bank, "Terbatas dārzs" is being created in Riga

Finance Latvia reports on BluOr Bank’s support for the creation of "Terbatas dārzs," a new cultural and recreational space in the heart of Riga. Read more (LV)

Romanian Association of Banks: Over 500 tourists participated in the "Parale Stall" in Mamaia. Inflation is understood, but phishing less so

The Romanian Association of Banks reports on its financial education event in Mamaia, where tourists engaged with activities highlighting inflation and cybersecurity, noting that while inflation is better understood, phishing remains a challenge. Read more (RO)

FROM THE INSTITUTIONS

European Central Bank: Timeline and progress on a digital euro

The ECB outlines the steps taken since the investigation phase began in October 2021, leading to the decision in October 2023 to advance to the preparation phase. This phase, running until October 2025, focuses on developing rules, selecting providers, and carrying out further experiments and consultations. Read more

Council of the European Union: Press briefing - General Affairs Council of 18 July 2025

The Council announced a press briefing ahead of the General Affairs Council, scheduled for 18 July 2025. The briefing will address the agenda of the meeting, including institutional matters and policy coordination. Read more

ABOUT THE EUROPEAN BANKING FEDERATION
 

The European Banking Federation is the voice of the European banking sector, bringing together national banking associations from across Europe. The federation is committed to a thriving European economy that is underpinned by a stable, secure and inclusive financial ecosystem, and to a flourishing society where financing is available to fund the dreams of citizens, businesses and innovators everywhere. Website: www.ebf.eu

European Banking Federation