Working together for a sovereign Europe: focus on capital markets, the single market, energy, competition policy, innovation and financing the competitiveness agenda

At the fifth Franco-German Corporate Executives and Institutional Investors' Forum, Melanie Kreis, President of Deutsches Aktieninstitut, and Patricia Barbizet, President of the AFEP (Association française des entreprises privées), emphasise the importance of close cooperation between French and German companies for Europe's sovereignty and competitiveness.

This year's forum will take place on 1 October 2025 at Amundi's headquarters in Paris and will bring together French and German executives from the financial sector to discuss issues relating to the European financial landscape, energy supply and strategic technology dependencies. The Franco-German axis is crucial for European sovereignty. We are strengthening this axis by bringing together senior executives from German and French companies to discuss current challenges. 

 ‘European financial centres must not only be solid, but also resilient. Otherwise, they cannot guarantee the financing of innovation and investment in strategic areas,’ explains Patricia Barbizet.

‘Furthermore, an efficient and integrated capital market is key to European sovereignty, including in the financing of security,’ says Melanie Kreis. ‘In order to improve citizens' participation in the success of companies and at the same time strengthen the investor base in Europe, member states should use more shares in all pillars of pension provision to build up capital stock and enable people to enjoy better care in old age.’

The geopolitical situation is increasingly challenging the rules-based world order based on open markets. ‘The only sensible response for Europe is to become an extremely competitive and respected business location again,’ emphasises Patricia Barbizet.

Europe would be well advised to invest in its geostrategic autonomy. This includes strong European companies and domestic investors who make this autonomy possible. Improving the framework conditions for the European capital market is crucial for Europe's sovereignty. Franco-German cooperation has been and continues to be a powerful driving force in this regard.

The forum is a unique platform for jointly developing solutions to Europe's pressing challenges and strengthening Franco-German economic dialogue. The security and future of Europe depend on it," conclude the two presidents.

Background

The Franco-German Corporate Executives and Institutional Investors' Forum brings together high-ranking figures from the management of companies, financial institutions, politics and European think tanks. It is aimed at listed and capital market-oriented companies and aims to intensify Franco-German cooperation on capital market issues for the benefit of the European economy.

AFEP

Founded in 1982, the AFEP (Association of French Companies) brings together 117 of France's largest companies, which generate 15 per cent of France's market-determined GDP, employ 13 per cent of the private sector workforce and pay 20 per cent of compulsory corporate taxes in France. Its mission is to contribute to the creation of an environment conducive to the development of economic activity and to represent the voice of large French companies vis-à-vis political decision-makers in Paris and Brussels. Its member companies employ 8.5 million people worldwide, including 4.5 million in Europe. They are deeply committed to ecological and digital transformation, innovation and the search for best corporate governance practices.

Your contact at the AFEP:
Mael Evin
Telephone +33 6 44 12 14 91
Email presse(at)afep.com