On 16 October 2013, ACCA, in association with the Lithuanian presidency of the Council of the EU, organised a high level conference in Brussels to discuss with renowned experts proposals for a Banking Union and the way towards a solid and sustainable integrated financial framework. The aim was to exchange views on whether the Banking Union was building on strong foundations towards a solid and sustainable integrated financial framework; the challenges and opportunities ahead; and if the rationale for the Banking Union was strong enough to survive the financial fault lines that stretch across Europe.The main conclusions indicate that there will be serious challenges ahead in completing the Banking Union and not all the risks are being addressed; however, Europe is moving forward at pace. Further integration, more communication and transparency will be fundamental for the future steps.

The panel was comprised of Wolf Klinz, MEP,  Fabian Zuleeg, EPC Chief executive, Silvia Scatizzi, financial stability unit, DG MARKT, European Commission, Jean-Pierre Vidal, Cabinet of the President Van Rompuy, European Council,Wouter Coussens, head of ECB Representative Office in Brussels, Julian Callow, Chief International Economist, Barclays, Graham Bishop, Member of the EC working group on redemption fund and eurobills. The discussion was moderated by Dean Westcott, ACCA past President. It was well attended, with over 100 participants.

www.eu2013.lt

www.accaglobal.com