‘Seize the opportunity now!’ Deutsches Aktieninstitut's annual reception sends a clear signal for the expansion of capital markets to secure the future

At the Deutsches Aktieninstitut's annual reception, President Melanie Kreis emphasised the importance of a strong and competitive Europe in order to secure economic performance, political stability and the liberal way of life in the long term. The savings and investment union and initiatives to reduce bureaucracy play key roles.

‘Europe faces the challenge of asserting its place in the 21st century,’ said Kreis, who had previously been re-elected by the Executive Board for a further two-year term as President of the German Stock Institute. ’This makes it all the more important to defend and further develop Europe's economic strength and its liberal order, also with a view to well-functioning capital markets and legal certainty.’ 

The new German government also faces major tasks, according to Kreis. These include the financing requirements for external security, infrastructure, competitiveness, innovation and transformation, which require good interaction between the capital market and government financing. To ensure that pension provision remains sustainable in the future and that citizens participate in economic success, it is important to use the capital market to stabilise all three pillars of pension provision. 

Competitiveness requires strong companies

The competitiveness of European companies is crucial for Europe's political weight and future viability, Kreis emphasises. There is no shortage of innovative ideas or committed employees and entrepreneurs. However, new business ideas often fail due to bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of capital market financing.

Savings and investment union and bureaucracy reduction are key projects

Kreis welcomes the strengthening of capital markets and the reduction of regulatory requirements as priorities for the new EU Commission. Projects such as the savings and investment union and the omnibus procedure for streamlining and simplifying sustainability reporting should be resolutely pursued. Companies need reliable investors and, at the same time, attractive framework conditions to drive innovation and climate-proof business models.

Practical implementation of European rules is crucial

The practical work of the European supervisory authorities plays a central role in this. Uniform, streamlined, and practical implementation of European regulations is essential to create a functioning internal market for saving and investing.

Among other things, Kreis proposes reconsidering outdated technologies for machine readability (XBRL) in financial and sustainability reporting and the varying scope of prospectuses in individual EU member states.

Shaping the future

In conclusion, Kreis calls for opportunities to be seized: ‘Europe and Germany have bright minds, committed companies and a strong civil society. To secure our economic strength and democratic order for future generations, we need decisive implementation of the savings and investment union and the reduction of bureaucracy. Special thanks go to the Presidium and Executive Board, as well as all company representatives in the working groups of the Aktieninstitut for their consistently positive cooperation.’