European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee visited London to discuss EU-UK financial cooperation

Over the three-day visit, MEPs met with their British counterparts in Westminster, financial regulators, and industry leaders to exchange views on regulatory alignment, market stability and investment climate.

Day 1: Engaging with Key Financial Institutions
The visit began with productive meetings with major financial institutions, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Bank of England, Lloyd’s, and the Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME). Discussions focused on regulatory cooperation, financial stability, fintech innovation, and sustainable finance, emphasizing the importance of an open and collaborative EU-UK dialogue in shaping the future of finance. MEPs also explored emerging issues such as crypto regulation and climate finance, underscoring the shared commitment to building resilient and forward-looking financial markets.

Day 2: Policy Dialogue in Westminster & Ukraine Reconstruction
The second day saw MEPs engage with key UK policymakers in Westminster, including Lord Livermore, Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Growth Minister), MPs from the Treasury Select Committee, and peers in the House of Lords. These meetings provided a platform to exchange views on economic growth strategies, regulatory frameworks, and financial markets, reaffirming the importance of ongoing collaboration between the EU and the UK.

MEPs also held a discussion with Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), focusing on Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts and broader global economic challenges. As both the EU and UK play pivotal roles in supporting Ukraine, this conversation reinforced their joint commitment to aiding the country’s recovery and resilience.

Day 3: Competitiveness, Investment, and Capital Markets
The final day of the visit featured a roundtable discussion on socioeconomic issues, bringing together key stakeholders to examine EU-UK competitiveness, investment climate, and economic resilience. MEPs also met with representatives of the City of London to discuss capital markets, financial stability, and the evolving role of London as a global financial hub post-Brexit.

Strengthening the EU-UK Economic Partnership
At the conclusion of the visit, Eero Heinäluoma MEP (S&D), head of the Committee delegation, highlighted the significance of the discussions:

"Following the past three days of meetings with British institutions and industry here in London, we can only reaffirm the strong partnership between the UK and the EU, rooted in shared interests and a commitment to maintaining a fair and balanced economic environment to the benefit of our citizens."
    
"It is crucial that our financial regulations remain aligned to foster investor confidence and create opportunities for growth on both sides. The impact of our cooperation extends beyond Europe, with a global outlook that enhances competitiveness and innovation in our financial markets."
    
"We also recognize the unwavering dedication of both the UK and the EU to supporting Ukraine, standing united in our resolve to assist in these challenging times."

This visit underscored the importance of continued dialogue, regulatory cooperation, and shared economic priorities between the EU and the UK, which will benefit businesses and citizens on both sides of the Channel.

Statement of Economics committee delegation leader after London mission