Today, the European Commission has launched a targeted consultation and a call for evidence on the competitiveness of the EU banking sector. The initiative seeks input on how EU banks perform domestically and globally, how they support the financing of the European economy, how to further deepen the EU’s single market and banking union and how to simplify and improve the effectiveness of the regulatory and supervisory framework.
The consultation builds on the significant progress achieved over the past decade in strengthening the resilience of Europe’s banks through the introduction of a robust regulatory framework and the setting up of the banking union, which have enhanced financial stability across the EU. At the same time, Europe’s banks must play an even stronger role in financing the EU economy, supporting growth, innovation, investments, and reinforcing the EU’s competitiveness.
Stakeholders’ feedback will be used into the Commission’s 2026 report on the competitiveness of the EU banking sector, which is part of the savings and investment union (SIU) strategy. The report, scheduled for the third quarter of 2026, will provide an assessment of the situation of the banking system in the single market, focusing on competitiveness, and setting out an evidence based, positive and forward-looking agenda for the future of EU banking.
Banks are central to the SIU’s objectives, as they remain the main source of financing for most EU businesses and households and play a key role in channelling savings into productive investments. Key stakeholders, including banks, financial institutions, public authorities, consumer and investor organisations, social partners, companies using banking services, academics and interested citizens – are invited to participate.
Maria Luís Albuquerque, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union said:
“Europe’s banks are stronger and more resilient today thanks to the progress achieved through our robust regulatory framework and thanks to the banking union, which have helped safeguard financial stability. But resilience must go hand in hand with competitiveness. We want to hear from stakeholders how the current framework works in practice, where it can be simplified, and how it can better support cross-border activity, innovation and the financing of Europe’s economy. Their input will help shape our 2026 report and contribute to a forward-looking agenda for a more dynamic and competitive European banking sector”.
The Commission invites all stakeholders to submit their contributions by 19 April 2026 (targeted consultation) and 12 March 2026 (call for evidence).
More about this consultation
Respond to the call for evidence
