EU Chief Urges Europeans to Invest 'Lazy Savings' in Businesses

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is urging citizens across the continent to unlock vast reserves of untapped capital, describing it as "lazy savings" that should be put to work for European businesses. Speaking at the Medef business conference, she highlighted the significant potential of household investments to fuel economic growth and innovation within the EU.

Von der Leyen emphasized the need to redirect this substantial pool of money, estimated to be in the trillions of euros, towards companies operating within Europe. This strategic shift, she argued, is crucial for enhancing the continent's overall competitiveness and ensuring its resilience in a globalized market. The call to action aims to foster a more dynamic investment environment, where individual savings directly contribute to the strength and expansion of European enterprises.

Beyond encouraging domestic investment, the Commission president also stressed the importance of protecting European industries from what she termed unfair foreign competition. This dual focus on boosting internal investment and safeguarding external market access signals a broader strategy to strengthen the EU's economic position. Von der Leyen's remarks underscore a commitment to building a more robust and self-sufficient European economy, capable of thriving amidst international challenges.