Maria Luís Albuquerque on Europe's Integrated Financial Future

The Centre for European Transformation (CfET) welcomed Maria Luís Albuquerque, European Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, to Frankfurt School for an exclusive discussion on the future of Europe’s financial system and the role of integrated capital markets in strengthening the continent’s competitiveness. With geopolitical uncertainty rising and technological change accelerating, the conversation centred on one of Europe’s most pressing strategic challenges: mobilising private capital to finance innovation, sustainability, defence, and long-term economic growth.

A vision for the Savings and Investments Union

Commissioner Albuquerque outlined the European Commission’s vision for a Savings and Investments Union, stressing the need for deeper, more integrated capital markets that let savings flow more efficiently into productive investment. Reducing regulatory fragmentation and improving cross-border market integration, she argued, are essential to unlocking Europe’s investment potential and strengthening its economic resilience.

Removing structural barriers

A central theme was the need to remove structural barriers still limiting the development of European capital markets. Albuquerque highlighted the role of pension reform, investment incentives, and regulatory harmonisation in building a financial system capable of supporting Europe’s green, digital, and industrial transitions while widening opportunities for businesses and investors alike.

Connecting policy with the next generation

The event featured a dialogue between Albuquerque and members of the Frankfurt School community. Students, researchers, and practitioners discussed capital market integration, the financing of Europe’s strategic priorities, the role of private investment in driving innovation, and the opportunities the Savings and Investments Union could create for future generations — a lively exchange reflecting the growing importance of connecting policy, financial markets, and academic research.

By bringing one of Europe’s leading policymakers into direct conversation with students, academics, and finance professionals, the event exemplified CfET’s mission to bridge research, policy, and practice, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to evidence-based dialogue on the financial and institutional foundations of Europe’s transformation.