EU Commission Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis opens the first Generali Talks in Brussels

The banking sector, the reform of the Stability Pact, the future of capital markets and EU competitiveness as well as the war in Ukraine took centre stage at the first high-level discussions organised by Generali to advance the public debate in Brussels

EU Commission Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis opens the first Generali Talks in Brussels

On 28th March 2023, Generali hosted its first Generali Talks in Brussels with the participation of European Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis. This event was the first in a new cycle of exclusive conversations on the economic, financial, and geopolitical European scenario organised by Generali with the participation of representatives of EU institutions, industry and academics.

As the largest European insurer, we consider Europe our home. With initiatives like the Generali Talks we want to contribute to advancing the public conversation in Brussels on macroeconomic and societal topics," explained Simone Bemporad, Generali Group Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer, in his opening remarks. “Also, we want to provide a non-partisan convening space for high-level EU policymakers to present their thinking on these critical issues. We will also be launching similar initiatives in Rome and Milan, so please stay tuned!

Interviewed by Bloomberg correspondent in Brussels Maria Tadeo, Dombrovskis focused on the state of the EU’s economy, discussing the prospects for the Stability Pact reform and the Recovery Fund, and highlighting that the banking sectoris stable and well prepared to withstand potential shocks”. On capital markets, he highlighted the important role of private investments in meeting the challenges the EU faces.

International trade and EU competitiveness were also key elements of discussion, especially with reference to European relations with the US and China. Dombrovskis welcomed the US ambition “on green economy and climate change,” but calling for a “transatlantic agreement to avoid fragmentation. Part of Europe's strength is openness to the world, and we want to protect a multinational rules-based system”. On China, he recognised its importance as a trading partner – the second largest partner for the EU - while hoping for increased balance and further cooperation on global challenges, including climate change.

During the event, Dombrovskis also discussed the European Union’s support to Ukraine and the country’s prospects as candidate for EU membership, as well as the significance of the current developments for Europe: “We cannot take freedom and democracy for granted. It is something that we need to defend internally and externally, looking at Russia's aggression against Ukraine. It requires our constant attention. We need to constantly work on our democracy.”