Salon Z: Europe as a banking and financial center quo vadis?

PANTARHEI
Salon Z April 2025 Speaker

At our first Salon Z of the year, one thing became quickly clear: the world is undergoing a dramatic transformation – politically, economically, and technologically. And right at the center of it all: Europe. The question is not just “what comes next,” but also “who do we want to be?” Under the moderation of host and PANTARHEI founder and CEO Markus Schindler, high-ranking guests discussed how the European banking and financial sector can – and must – respond to these challenges. About 200 guests from business, culture, media, and politics accepted the invitation to the Galerie Layr in Vienna’s First District.

The high-profile panel included:

  • Dr. Peter Bosek, CEO of Erste Group

  • Univ. Prof. Dr. Martin Kocher, Incoming Governor of the Austrian National Bank

  • Mag. Berthold Baurek-Karlic, Chairman of the Board, Venionaire Capital AG

Conclusion of the evening: The future is open – but can be shaped

The engaging discussion clearly showed: Europe stands at a crossroads. The economic and political challenges are real – but they can also serve as a trigger for much-needed reform.
What is needed now:

  • A clear geopolitical positioning for Europe

  • Investment in digital and technological sovereignty

  • Courage for change and more optimism – both nationally and across Europe

  • Valuing performance again and promoting entrepreneurship

  • Eliminating complex structures and overregulation

  • A new way of dealing with crises and disruption – not as threats, but as opportunities

Salon Z April SpeakerSalon Z Martin KocherSalon Z Peter BosekSalon Z Berthold Baurek-KarlicSalon Z April SpeakerSalon Z April Gäste