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This study analyses why European banks, despite improved cost efficiency, continue to trade at lower valuations than their United States (US) counterparts. The gap stems from limited growth potential due to market fragmentation and underdeveloped capital markets. To close this competitiveness divide, the study calls for accelerating the Savings and Investment Union (SIU), expanding investment banking capacity, and implementing smart banking regulation and supervision that reinforces market discipline ...

This paper provides an assessment of the EU banks’ competitiveness by using the US as a benchmark and looking at four interconnected dimensions: profitability, stability, ability to supply intermediation services and raise funds, product affordability for customers. Our results show that profitability, while being a key performance indicator in a market economy, does not measure the banks’ contribution to welfare more broadly and may even signal excessive market power.

This paper reviews a recent data on property markets and real estate-related bank loans in the euro area, looking at prices, mortgages, credit quality measures and some indicators of the costs faced by borrowers. It then takes a closer look at certain origination and monitoring practices adopted by significant institutions, as recently analysed by the ECB, which apparently show some room for improvement. Finally, it addresses property-related exposures held by non-bank financial institutions, with ...

Desde a entrada em vigor do Tratado de Maastricht, qualquer cidadão da União Europeia e todas as pessoas singulares e coletivas que residem nos Estados-Membros têm o direito de apresentar uma petição ao Parlamento Europeu, sob a forma de uma queixa ou de um pedido, sobre questões que se inscrevam nos domínios de competência da União Europeia. As petições são analisadas pela Comissão das Petições do Parlamento Europeu, que toma decisões sobre a admissibilidade das petições e é responsável pelo respetivo ...

The European financial system faces significant risks from excessive bank lending to the real estate sector. Historical trends show a strong link between real estate credit booms and banking crises. Current data indicate that real estate loans constitute a substantial share of banks' corporate loan portfolios, with varying risk levels across countries. Key drivers include expansionary ECB policies and regulatory incentives favouring mortgage lending. Strengthening oversight, improving data collection ...

As instituições da União Económica e Monetária (UEM) são, em grande parte, responsáveis pelo estabelecimento da política monetária europeia e das regras que regem a emissão do euro e pela estabilidade dos preços na UE. Essas instituições são as seguintes: o Banco Central Europeu (BCE), o Sistema Europeu de Bancos Centrais (SEBC), o Comité Económico e Financeiro, o Eurogrupo e o Conselho (Assuntos Económicos e Financeiros – ECOFIN).

InvestEU is the European Union’s flagship investment programme aimed at mobilising public and private financing to support sustainable infrastructure, innovation, SMEs, and social investment across the EU. As of June 2024, it has successfully mobilized around EUR 280 billion in investments using a EUR 26.2 billion guarantee, but faces concerns over guarantee depletion, excessive burdens and lack of transparency. The European Parliament plays a crucial oversight role, particularly in ensuring accountability ...

This study aims to offer an in-depth analysis of water scarcity, availability, and usage in the face of climate change. By employing a comprehensive foresight methodology that includes an extensive literature review, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and broad stakeholder consultation, the research provides a detailed overview of current water availability and consumption within the European Union (EU). It highlights the current and projected trends related to water resources, identifying ...

Article 122 of the Treaty on Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) provides for two legal bases, enabling the Council to adopt measures based on a European Commission proposal, without involving the European Parliament in any way. Article 122(1) addresses economic difficulties faced by Member States, and Article 122(2) specifically addresses financial assistance to Member States. It is understood that the Council may resort to Article 122 TFEU in exceptional circumstances. A recent example of ...

Academic freedom is widely recognised as a fundamental value of contemporary higher education and science, and as a prerequisite for well-functioning democratic societies. However, in recent years, major concerns have been expressed by various stakeholders about the state of academic freedom in the European Union. The European Parliament launched an annual EP Academic Freedom Monitor in 2022, to help improve the promotion and protection of academic freedom in the European Union. This report presents ...