On Friday, leaders of EU institutions issued a unified appeal to bolster the European currency and move towards capital market integration in a joint statement released by the German media group Funke.

The article, celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the currency, was drafted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, European Council leader Charles Michel, ECB Director Christine Lagarde, and Eurogroup leader Paschal Donohoe.

In it, the leaders emphasize the need for collaboration to address challenges, including escalating geopolitical tensions and the climate crisis. They also highlight that ‘our competitiveness is challenged by energy and industrial policy measures in other regions of the world,’ expressing their views in the article scheduled to be published in the media group’s print editions on Saturday.

They also advocate for establishing a continent-wide capital market union capable of mobilizing private financial resources to increase competitiveness and security, proposing that ‘existing structures could be strengthened through a review of budgetary rules and consolidation of the banking union.

Published by The Tampa Herald, news and information agency.