European Financial Stability Threatened by Geopolitical and Economic Risks
The Bundesbank and ECB warn of challenges from U.S. trade policies, weak growth, and commercial real estate pressures.
- The Bundesbank and European Central Bank (ECB) have flagged significant risks to financial stability due to geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty following Donald Trump’s U.S. presidential election victory.
- Trump's proposed tariffs of 10-20% on European imports could exacerbate trade conflicts, impacting the export-driven economies of the Eurozone, particularly Germany.
- The commercial real estate market remains under strain as the shift to remote work reduces demand for office spaces, with further price declines expected.
- While the Eurozone banking sector has shown resilience after recent interest rate changes, vulnerabilities persist, particularly for smaller businesses and households if economic growth slows further.
- High public debt levels in several Eurozone countries limit governments' ability to respond to potential economic shocks, raising concerns about long-term fiscal sustainability.