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On 11 February 2026, the European Commission launched a consultation to gather stakeholder input on the competitiveness of the banking sector within the European Union. De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) responded to this consultation on 20 April 2026 in collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Finance, publishing a joint non-paper. DNB and the Ministry of Finance emphasise that while post-2008 financial crisis regulatory adjustments have strengthened the banking sector and improved financial stability, the resulting framework has become increasingly complex. The internal market for banking in the EU remains suboptimal, presenting opportunities for targeted improvements to enhance banking competitiveness and support European economic financing. The joint response proposes concrete policy measures centred on two objectives: strengthening the internal EU banking market and simplifying and harmonising the regulatory framework where possible. Key proposals include completing the banking union through risk reduction steps and establishing a European deposit guarantee fund; enabling more efficient cross-border liquidity and capital use; simplifying macroprudential buffer methodologies; preventing overlap between micro- and macroprudential measures; aligning European resolution requirements (MREL) with international standards (TLAC); reducing reporting burdens; and introducing greater proportionality in prudential frameworks for smaller banks. Underlying principles guiding these proposals include maintaining adherence to international standards, ensuring financial stability, strengthening the European and international level playing field, and pursuing further European harmonisation and consistency. DNB also contributed to a joint response from the Eurosystem, developed in collaboration with other European central banks and the European Central Bank (ECB). REFERENCES: De Nederlandsche Bank. "Nationale reactie op de Consultatie van de Europese Commissie over het concurrentievermogen van de bankensector in de EU." Accessed April 20, 2026. https://www.dnb.nl/