Through Banking, Investment, and Digital Transformation
The European Association of Public Banks (EAPB) advocates for policies that enhance the EU’s economic competitiveness and sovereignty. Our members play a vital role in unlocking financing opportunities, driving investment, and accelerating digital transformation across Europe.
Key Recommendations for a More Competitive EU
1. Unlocking Financing & Investment
To support economic growth, the EAPB proposes:
✅ Revitalizing securitization markets to facilitate funding for large-scale transformation projects.
✅ Simplifying macroprudential tools to provide flexibility for banks in financing key initiatives.
✅ Reducing regulatory burdens by shifting towards principle-based legislation, fostering business growth.
A review of post-financial crisis regulations—including bank levies—is essential to create a more agile financial system. The EAPB supports streamlining the EU Banking Package (Basel III) and phasing out Single Resolution Fund (SRF) levies, particularly for promotional banks backed by state guarantees, to free up resources for strategic investments.
2. Accelerating Digital Transformation
EAPB members are at the forefront of financing digital innovation by providing loans for:
✅ Process automation
✅ Product development
✅ Workforce digital upskilling
By advancing AI adoption and simplifying access to funding, we can ensure the EU remains a global leader in digital competitiveness.
3. Supporting SMEs & Strategic Sectors
Revisiting the SME definition could have a transformative impact on critical industries such as energy, defence, and technology. Expanding and simplifying SME criteria would unlock growth opportunities, while reducing bureaucratic hurdles would streamline funding access for innovation.