EBF WEEKLY + FINANCIAL REGULATION AGENDA
For the week starting Monday 21 July 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.


 We we will be back with the EBF Morning Brief on Tuesday 22nd July. 
 

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FROM THE MEDIA 

Reuters: Independence is the 'DNA of central banks', Bundesbank president says

Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel stressed the critical importance of central bank independence, particularly amid political pressures and inflationary challenges, reports Reuters. Read more

Bloomberg: Millions Wiped Off UK Debt as 239-Year-Old Agency Buys Gilts

The UK's debt burden shrank by millions after the Commissioners for the Reduction of the National Debt purchased government bonds in a move reflecting efforts to manage public finances, writes Bloomberg. Read more

Politico: Spain violated EU rules by meddling in banking merger, says Brussels

The European Commission accused Spain of breaching EU law by interfering in a cross-border banking merger, escalating concerns over political influence in banking deals, reports Politico. Read more

Financial Times: Public markets ‘under threat’ from listings slump, exchange bosses warn

Exchange leaders warn that the sharp decline in IPOs and public listings threatens the future of public markets, raising concerns about reduced access to capital for companies, reports the Financial Times. Read more

MAIN EVENTS

Monday 21 July

• Bundesbank: Gold und Geld Familien- und Kinderführung - event 

• ECB: Survey on the access to finance of enterprises (Dataset: SAFE) – data release 

Tuesday 22 July

• Bundesbank: Gestalte deinen eigenen Geldschein Workshop - workshop 

• International Trade Centre ‘Global SME Ministerial Meeting’ - meeting 

• Integrated Review of the Capital Framework for Large Banks Conference  

• International Bar Association ‘Regional tax updates for Asia Pacific and perspectives on global developments’ Webinar 

• ECB: Euro area Bank Lending Survey (Dataset: BLS) - data release 

Wednesday 23 July

• ECB: Governing Council ‘Monetary policy’ Meeting  

• ECB: Quarterly data on government deficit/debt (Eurostat) (Dataset: GFS) - data release 

Thursday 24 July

• ECB: Governing Council monetary policy meeting and press conference - meeting 

Friday 25 July

• BoE: Capital Issuance (June 2025) - data release 

• ECB: Euro area economic and financial developments by institutional sector (Dataset: QSA) - data release 

FROM THE EBF

Simply Competitive: banks urge EU to cut complexity and support competitiveness & growth 

The European Banking Federation (EBF) calls on EU policymakers to make simplification a core strategic priority also in financial services. In a new report released today, Europe’s banking sector warns that regulatory complexity is undermining the EU’s competitiveness and slowing the financial sector’s ability to support households, companies and key investments urgently needed by Europe. Read the full report

Report to Increase Bankability of Clean Industrial Deal and Green Transition 

The European Banking Federation has published a new report, Increasing bankability of transition & the Clean Industrial Deal, including suggestions to increase banks ‘participation in  financing  Europe’s green and industrial transformation. Read more

July 2025 Report from the Climate & Environmental Scenario Workstream of the C-ESG Risk Roundtable

The July 2025 report of the Climate & Environmental Scenario Workstream of the C-ESG Risk Roundtable explores the evolving practices and ongoing challenges banks face in conducting climate and environmental scenario analyses and embedding these into their risk management frameworks. Read more

EBF shares recommendations for a stronger European financial literacy strategy

The European Banking Federation (EBF) celebrates the European Commission’s initiative to establish the European Financial Literacy Strategy and has put forward eight recommendations to help enhance its effectiveness and long-term impact. For more than a decade, EBF and its members have actively supported financial education through a broad range of initiatives across Europe. Read more

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

On the 15th of July, 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

French Banking Federation: Employment markers in banking permanent, highly qualified, mixed and inclusive strengthened in 2024

The French Banking Federation reports that banking employment in France remains permanent, highly qualified, gender-balanced and inclusive, with these markers reinforced in 2024. Read more (FR)

UK Finance: The Leeds reforms a defining moment for financial services growth and competitiveness

UK Finance highlights that the Leeds reforms mark a key moment for boosting growth and competitiveness in the UK financial services sector, urging effective implementation. Read more

Association of German Public Banks: A digital identity for Europe associations call for speed and determination

The Association of German Public Banks joins other industry groups in calling for a faster and more decisive rollout of a European interoperable digital identity. Read more (DE)

FROM THE INSTITUTIONS

Council of the European Union: Informal meeting of Competitiveness Ministers - July 2025

The informal Competitiveness Council held discussions on industrial competitiveness, the Single Market, and the EU’s economic resilience, with a focus on promoting innovation and strengthening global competitiveness. Read more

European Commission: Remarks by Commissioner Síkela, Vice-President Šuica and Commissioner Kos on the Global Europe instrument

Commissioners emphasized the strategic role of the Global Europe instrument in promoting EU economic interests, supporting resilience in partner countries, and reinforcing the Union’s global partnerships. 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