The global financial landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, shaped by a new era of geoeconomics and geopolitics. Finance is no longer solely a matter of market efficiency—it is increasingly viewed as a tool for advancing strategic autonomy, economic security, and geopolitical influence.

The European Commission’s proposal for a Savings and Investment Union exemplifies this shift. Far from being a purely technical integration initiative, it aims to channel Europe’s substantial private savings into strengthening economic resilience, supporting critical sectors, and reducing dependency on foreign capital.

This trend reflects a broader global reality: financial globalisation is fragmenting. Capital flows are increasingly driven by geopolitical risk assessments and national security concerns. Sanctions, weaponized currencies, diverging regulatory frameworks, and contested payment systems are prompting governments to reassess their exposure to external shocks. In response, the European Union is seeking to deepen internal capital markets and better align investment with strategic priorities—positioning finance as a pillar of its geopolitical strategy.

This 90-minute seminar will explore key questions at the intersection of finance, strategy, and sovereignty:

• Can financial integration be reconciled with strategic autonomy?
• How can pension reforms across EU member states be leveraged to boost long-term savings and direct them toward strategic investments?
• How can the EU balance openness to global markets with the need for geopolitical resilience?
• What role could financial technologies and the digital euro play in this evolving context—opportunity or risk?
• Will this transformation empower smaller member states, or increase their marginalisation?

Speakers:

• Thorsten Beck (European University Institute)
• Michala Marcussen (Société Générale)
• Lucia Quaglia (University of Bologna)
• Nicolas Véron (Peterson Institute for International Economics and Bruegel)

Moderator:

• Nicola Bilotta (European University Institute)

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At the EUI and the Robert Schuman Centre, we are dedicated to removing barriers and providing equal opportunities for everyone. Please indicate in the registration form your accessibility needs, if any. Alternatively, you can contact the logistics organiser of the event.