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This briefing considers the relevance of neobanks for the Banking Union by discussing the nature of the phenomenon, its size and development so far and its prospects going forward. It also considers the benefits of neobanks along with possible challenges they pose for supervision and resolution, and for the institutional set-up of the Banking Union.

In this issue: ECB keeps key rates unchanged for the fifth consecutive time; ECB enhances repo lines for other central banks to support global liquidity and monetary policy transmission; Fed holds policy rates steady; Trade tensions have eased in the recent months; More than half of MPEP members consider the ECB’s monetary policy stance as appropriate, while around quarter find it slightly restrictive; Special focus on food inflation and labour market developments in the euro area

The European Investment Bank (EIB), part of the European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) - which also includes the European Investment Fund, plays a central role in advancing the European Union’s investment agenda, combining substantial financing capacity with close strategic alignment to EU policy objectives. In 2025, the EIB Group achieved record levels of financing (EUR 100 billion of new financing), with particularly strong performance in climate action, energy security and economic, social ...

On 20 November 2025, the Commission published a package of two legislative proposals aimed at enhancing supplementary and personal pensions. The initiative comes at a time when ageing populations are putting increased pressure on state-based pension systems for future generations, and the EU's priorities, namely the green and digital transitions, defence and innovation, require significant private investment. Channelling citizens' savings into supplementary pensions would mitigate both issues simultaneously ...

The European Union's competitiveness and prosperity depends on an optimal allocation of resources, particularly savings, within the single market, yet EU capital markets remain fragmented. EU rules are mostly set out through directives, leaving Member States' supervisory authorities latitude in their interpretation and application of the rules. Therefore, although rules are enacted at EU level, the resulting uneven supervisory environment is considered a major cause of fragmentation of EU capital ...

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the EU’s financing institution, owned by the Member States. It provides loans, guarantees and advice to support projects that promote EU objectives, such as tackling climate change, developing less prosperous regions, supporting small businesses and building infrastructure. The EIB raises most of its funding by borrowing on international capital markets and lends primarily within the EU, although it also supports projects in partner countries. Together with the ...

This study examines housing needs across the EU, focusing on inequalities in affordability, accessibility, and quality. It provides a mapping of the current housing needs in the EU across territories, including across Member States, rural and urban areas, outermost regions, and islands and across population groups. The study analyses key factors affecting housing demand and supply challenges, and the impacts of housing scarcity on health, education and employment. It also reviews how EU legislation ...

This study examines housing needs across the EU, focusing on inequalities in affordability, accessibility, and quality. It provides a mapping of the current housing needs in the EU across territories, including across Member States, rural and urban areas, outermost regions, and islands and across population groups. The study analyses key factors affecting housing demand and supply challenges, and the impacts of housing scarcity on health, education and employment. It also reviews how EU legislation ...

Although it is a long-standing concept, the 28th regime was emphasised by Enrico Letta's report in 2024 as a major recommendation to reinforce the single market and remove internal barriers. The International Monetary Fund estimates that the persistent barriers to the EU single market still represented the equivalent of a 110 % tariff on services. The 28th regime, which has yet to be defined, would possibly be a specific legal framework that would govern various aspects of businesses that opt into ...