How Should Europe Finance Its Future? A Discussion with the EU Commissioner

EU Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque joined CBS students to discuss how Europe should finance its future.

03/27/2025

Monday March 24, 2025, Copenhagen Business School welcomed Maria Luís Albuquerque, EU Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, for a discussion on Europe’s financial future. The presentation, Talking with the Future, was attended by 100 students who had the opportunity to engage with the Commissioner on the critical question: How should Europe finance its future?

With the EU facing significant investment needs - from the green and digital transition to defence spending - the conversation centred on how these projects should be financed. Should Europe rely on EU-wide debt, mobilise pension funds, or encourage private savings?

Following the Commissioner’s presentation, Professors Lasse Heje Pedersen and Jesper Rangvid from the Department of Finance moderated a discussion with the students. Topics included Europe’s competitiveness with the US and China, the opportunities and challenges of a single European capital market, the future of pensions and savings within the EU, and possible reforms to simplify business regulations.

The event concluded with an informal reception, where attendees continued their conversations over refreshments. Many took the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and capture a group photo with the Commissioner.

Photo: Philip Høpner, Gamél

The page was last edited by: Department of Finance // 03/28/2025