TITLE: European Commission Launches Public Consultation on EU Banking Sector Competitiveness
BODY:
On 11 February 2026, the European Commission launched a targeted public consultation and call for evidence on the competitiveness of the EU banking sector. The initiative seeks stakeholder input on how EU banks perform domestically and globally, their role in financing the European economy, deepening the EU's single market and banking union, and simplifying the regulatory and supervisory framework.
The consultation builds on progress achieved over the past decade in strengthening bank resilience through robust regulatory frameworks and the establishment of the banking union, which has enhanced financial stability across the EU. However, the Commission recognises that Europe's banks must play a stronger role in financing the EU economy and supporting growth, innovation, and investments to reinforce EU competitiveness. Stakeholder feedback will inform the Commission's 2026 report on EU banking sector competitiveness, scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. This report forms part of the savings and investment union (SIU) strategy and will provide an assessment of the banking system in the single market, focusing on competitiveness and setting out an evidence-based agenda for the future of EU banking.
The Commission invites all key stakeholders—including banks, financial institutions, public authorities, consumer and investor organisations, social partners, companies using banking services, academics, and interested citizens—to participate. Contributions to the targeted consultation must be submitted by 19 April 2026, while responses to the call for evidence are due by 12 March 2026. The feedback collected will shape the Commission's forward-looking agenda for a more dynamic and competitive European banking sector.