Discussions on the Savings and Investments Union (SIU) highlighted an important ambition: better mobilising Europeans' savings to finance investment, innovation and long-term growth.
However, one key message emerged: financial well-being goes far beyond investment alone.
Financial literacy should not focus exclusively on investing. It must also include protection. Being adequately insured is just as important as building savings or investing. Insurance enables individuals and families to manage life's uncertainties, protect their assets and pursue long-term goals with greater confidence.
The Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE), and mutual insurers in particular, have a crucial role to play. Their model demonstrates that it is possible to mobilise capital while pursuing a broader social purpose, combining long-term investment with solidarity and risk pooling.
The discussion also highlighted several priorities for the European agenda:
➡️ strengthening financial literacy by fully integrating insurance education;
➡️ encouraging long-term investment while ensuring citizens remain protected;
➡️ preserving the principles of risk pooling as regulatory frameworks evolve, particularly in the context of FIDA;
➡️ recognising the contribution of Social and Solidarity Economy actors in financing the real economy and supporting Europe's transitions.
The Savings and Investments Union represents a major opportunity. But to succeed, it must recognise that financial resilience is built not only through investment, but also through protection.
A stronger Europe is one that invests for the future. A more resilient Europe is one that ensures its citizens are well protected along the way.