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

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