www.ecb.europa.eu
Keynote speech by Luis de Guindos, Vice-President of the ECB, at the joint conference of the European Commission and the European Central Bank on European Financial Integration
Frankfurt am Main, 7 May 2026
It is an honour to speak to you today on a topic that lies at the core of Europe’s economic resilience and future growth: financial integration. In an era of geopolitical fragmentation, technological change and economic uncertainty, ensuring that the European Union’s financial system is robust and competitive is not just an economic imperative – it is a strategic necessity.
With a well‑integrated financial system, the EU can weather external shocks, foster sustainable growth and strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive global landscape, while also allowing businesses to access capital more easily, facilitating cross‑border investment and providing Europeans with better financial products and services. In short, financial integration is crucial to the…