Fundamentals underpinning EU success are being tested. Minds are focusing. EIB is playing its role as Europe's financial engine, mobilizing private investment. 27 finance ministers supported a strategic roadmap for top priorities.

The challenges are in economic foundations, defense foundations, technological leadership, multilateral framework.

Brexit divided Europe's financial forces. London was Europe's financial market. Progress is being made in capital markets integration - one of top three priorities. By end of year, significant progress expected.

SpaceX shows what US financial markets can deliver. Europe needs to match that.

Absolutely. Europe needs to: 1) regain energy autonomy from fossil fuels, 2) reinforce tech leadership with scale and speed, 3) gain strategic independence in security and defense. Great progress being made but need to gain speed.

The world is turning faster. Otherwise you get left behind.

Yes. EIB announced financing for largest onshore wind park in Nordic/Baltic region. Acquiring €20M green bond in Latvia. Assessing large scale investments in AI infrastructure in Europe. Defense reached 5% of EU investments with 20+ flagship projects.

Defense has been a real game changer for EIB in the last two and a half years.