The main topics in this year's edition are risks to the stability of the German banking and financial system in the current low-interest-rate environment, developments in the German real estate market and the importance of the banking union for a stable financial system.

Low interest rates and an ample supply of central bank liquidity have helped to ease the tensions on the international financial markets. So far this year, the German financial system has also benefited from this situation. However, the Bundesbank believes that these exceptional financial conditions present risks to financial stability the longer they prevail.

The European sovereign debt crisis remains the greatest threat to financial stability in Germany. The Bundesbank considers that a substantial worsening of the situation would have a significant adverse impact on German banks and insurers. In addition, low interest rates, high liquidity and potential exaggerations in the German real estate market could pose a future threat to financial stability.

Risks to the German financial system are clearly on the increase – main challenges lie in the worsening and widening sovereign debt crisis and the associated loss of confidence in the European banking system.

Stability of the German financial system improved – focus now on European sovereign debt crisis and medium-term risks from protracted low-interest rate environment.