EBF WEEKLY + FINANCIAL REGULATION AGENDA
For the week starting Monday 24 March 2025

An overview of the main financial regulation and banking stories this week and a look ahead to key events for the upcoming week, brought to you by the European Banking Federation.

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FROM THE MEDIA

The Banker: Are banks ready to rearm Europe?

European banks face pressure to boost defense financing, but regulatory and ESG constraints remain. EBF Deputy CEO Sébastien de Brouwer notes that SME creditworthiness is a key challenge, reports The Banker. Read more.

Financial Times: Is this the start of a period of European exceptionalism in markets?

Looser fiscal, monetary, and regulatory policies are driving optimism about European markets, with investors questioning if Europe’s long period of underperformance is ending, reports the Financial Times. Read more.

Bloomberg: Lagarde says rising uncertainty means ECB can't commit on rates

ECB President Christine Lagarde stated that growing economic and geopolitical uncertainty prevents the central bank from making firm commitments on future interest rate cuts, reports Bloomberg. Read more.

FINANCIAL REGULATION AGENDA for next week

Monday 24 March

Oesterreichische Nationalbank and European Investment Bank conference on Investment under hard budget constraints

Council Working Party on Financial Services and the Banking Union (Banking Union)

Council Horizontal Working Party on Cyber Issues

Geneva Graduate Institute ‘Digital & Data Sovereignty: Definitions and Technologies for Independence and Resilience’ Global Governance talk

Tuesday 25 March

European Banking Authority: Board of Supervisors meeting

ECB: Monthly indicators on government debt securities (Feb. 2025) – data release

European Internet Forum ‘AI and Connectivity: empowering AI and empowering networks’ debate

Wednesday 26 March

Swiss National Bank: Quarterly Bulletin (1/2025) (Report and SNB data portal) – data release

Governing Council of the ECB: non-monetary policy meeting

The 14th Annual European Data Protection & Privacy Conference

European Internet Forum ‘Advancing Preventive Care: The Role of AI and Data Governance’ breakfast debate

Coreper II – meeting

Council Working Party on Information Exchange and Data Protection (DAPIX)

Council Working Party on Financial Services and the Banking Union (Banking Union)

CEPS ‘From ambition to action: shaping Europe’s digital future in a competitive world’ event

European Internet Forum ‘Programming Committee Meeting’

Geneva Graduate Institute ‘Seizing Central Bank Assets?’ International Macro History Online Seminar

Thursday 27 March

General Council meeting of the ECB

Bank of England: Capital Issuance (Feb. 2025) – data release

Council Horizontal Working Party on Cyber Issues

ECB: Monetary developments in the euro area (Feb. 2025) – data release

Friday 28 March

Bank of England: Banking sector regulatory capital (2024 Q4) – data release

Council Working Party on Financial Services and the Banking Union (Banking Union)

Council Horizontal Working Party on Cyber Issues

FROM EBF

We celebrated the 11th edition of European Money Week this week!

We brought together experts, policymakers, and educators for key discussions on advancing financial education across Europe. This year’s theme "From Financial Literacy to European Legacy: Building Financially Resilient Generations" underscored the vital role of financial literacy in ensuring a stronger financial future for all, particularly in times of economic uncertainty. Read more

EBF Press Release - Savings and Investments Union: The Path to Strengthening Europe’s Financial Future

The EBF welcomes the Communication on the Savings and Investments Union (SIU) by the European Commission on the 19th of March, a key step toward fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth, competitiveness, and boosting vital financing for defence. By deepening capital markets and improving access to finance, the SIU can help ensure that European citizens, businesses, and households benefit from a stronger, more dynamic financial ecosystem. Read more.

New EBF Vacancy! Work with us!

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

EBF Response to European Commission’s Call for Evidence on the Savings and Investments Union

The EBF welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the European Commission’s consultation on the Savings and Investment Union (SIU). By integrating the Banking Union and the Capital Markets Union, the SIU aims to strengthen Europe’s financial ecosystem and foster a more dynamic and resilient economy. Read more.

Recording and slides available! Exploring Basel III/IV: Scenarios for Financial Stability and Growth - March 5 at 4 PM

The implementation of the Basel III/IV capital reforms has become a political issue while banks are in the final straight. The balance between financial stability and competitiveness has taken over priority at a time when international relationships are being redefined. The US administration is re-evaluating its approach to the reforms, while, the UK has postponed the start of their adoption to 2027. Recording and slides here.

FROM EBF MEMBERS

Finance Finland: Money Week Materials Are Freely Available for Schools

Finance Finland announces that educational materials from Money Week are now freely accessible for schools to enhance financial literacy education. Read more (FI).

UK Finance: Financial Services Growth Agenda – HM Treasury’s Regulation Action Plan and the UK

UK Finance analyzes HM Treasury’s regulatory action plan, outlining key measures to support financial sector growth and maintain the UK’s competitive edge. Read more.

Association of German Banks: What Can Each Bank Card Do? Differences Between Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and Girocards

BdB explains the key differences between credit cards, debit cards, and Girocards, helping consumers choose the right payment method. Read more (DE).

French Banking Federation: Latest Figures on Business Financing

FBF presents updated statistics on corporate lending in France, highlighting key trends and economic implications. Read more (FR).

FROM THE INSTITUTIONS

European Central Bank: Insights from banks and firms on euro area credit conditions – a comparison based on ECB surveys

An ECB analysis compares data from the Bank Lending Survey and the Survey on the Access to Finance of Enterprises, highlighting trends in credit supply, loan demand, and financing conditions for firms in the euro area. Read more.

Council of the European Union: European Council meeting – 20-21 March 2025

EU leaders discussed economic competitiveness, security, and global challenges, focusing on strategic autonomy and sustainable growth. Read more.

Single Resolution Board: "The resolution framework as insurance for continued growth" speech by SRB Chair Dominique Laboureix

SRB Chair Dominique Laboureix discussed the role of the resolution framework in supporting financial stability and economic growth during his speech. 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