Antolín Sánchez Presedo (S&D). – (ES) Mr President, financial inclusion is vital in order for the financial system to serve Europeans and for us to hit Europe 2020 strategy targets. It is unacceptable that, out of the 30 million Europeans who do not have a bank account, almost 6.5 million, the most vulnerable, are not in a position to open one and therefore pay a price that can amount to EUR 1 per day.

I support Mr Klute’s proposal of a legislative initiative on this issue, and I welcome Commissioner Barnier’s announcement that he will table one before the end of the year.

The European Union must ensure access to minimum banking services such as opening a basic account, with no obstacles due to price. It must promote financial information and education, and responsible practices. This is good for economic efficiency and for preventing marginalisation and the adoption of discriminatory decisions against the most vulnerable Europeans.