The European Commission keeps open the process of reflection on the future of the community banking sector. It invited interested parties (stakeholders) to submit their contributions before April 19, 2026 (specific consultation) and March 12, 2026 (call for evidence) with the purpose of reforming the competitiveness of the area, which is part of the EU strategy (SIU).
The feedback will serve as a basis for the preparation of a report scheduled for the third quarter of 2026, in which Brussels aims to draw up a roadmap to strengthen the role of banking in European economic growth.
The debate comes at a time when community institutions seek to rebalance the financial system to make it more efficient and less dependent on external factors. Although significant advances have occurred in the last decade —such as the strengthening of the regulatory framework or the development of the banking union—, the Commission considers that structural challenges persist, especially regarding the integration of the single market and the capacity of entities to compete on a global scale.
One of the main focuses of the consultation is the role of banks as channels for savings towards productive investment, a key function within the strategy of the savings and investment union (SIU).
Brussels wants to analyze to what extent entities are contributing to finance the real economy, particularly in strategic areas such as innovation, energy transition or digitalization, and what obstacles limit that capital flow.
Furthermore, the Commission puts on the table the need to simplify the regulatory framework and supervisory without compromising financial stability. The objective is to find a balance between the soundness of the system —strengthened after the reforms subsequent to the financial crisis— and greater agility that allows European banking to gain competitiveness against other markets.
Maria Luís Albuquerque, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investment Union, argued that “European banks are today stronger and more resilient thanks to the progress made through our robust regulatory framework and thanks to the banking union, which have contributed to safeguarding financial stability”.
However, he added that “resilience must go hand in hand with competitiveness”, which is why “we want to know the opinion of stakeholders on 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 the European economy”.
“Your contributions will help shape our 2026 report and will contribute to a future-oriented agenda for a more dynamic and competitive European banking sector", Albuquerque stated.