Keynote speech by Luis de Guindos, Vice-President of the ECB, at the annual Joint Conference of the European Commission and the European Central Bank on European financial integration Introduction I am once again delighted to speak at the annual joint conference of the European Commission and the European Central Bank on European financial integration. This is an important event for us as we come together to appraise and advance financial integration in Europe. The recent sea change in US economic policy and...

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The European Commission has invited citizens and stakeholders to contribute to the development of a European blueprint for savings and investments accounts. This initiative, part of the Savings and Investments Union strategy, aims to facilitate citizens' participation in capital markets, enhancing returns on their savings while increasing funding available for EU companies to help them grow, innovate and create jobs. The Commission's call for evidence seeks input on best practices to make savings and investments accounts a convenient entry point to...

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Euro’s share across various indicators of international currency use largely unchanged at around 19% Emerging challenges include initiatives promoting global use of cryptocurrencies Upholding rule of law essential for maintaining, and potentially increasing, global trust in the euro The international role of the euro remained broadly stable in 2024 and the euro held on to its position as the second most important currency globally. The share of the euro across various indicators of international currency use has been largely...

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Ambitious climate targets that are underpinned by robust implementation and investment plans can provide economic opportunities, unlock investment, and support sustainable development and growth, while facilitating low-emission transitions, according to a new joint report by the OECD and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Investing in Climate for Growth and Development: The Case for Enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) shows that aligning climate policies with economic and social priorities can lead to higher global GDP, accelerated poverty reduction, improved energy security...

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