For two years now, the Bundesbank has once again had a representative in Spain, a step that underlines the Bundesbank’s commitment to deepening economic and fiscal dialogue and actively promoting cooperation within the euro area. 

This increased presence created the fertile ground from which the “Forum Bundesbank Spain” has now grown. The aim of this forum is to combine a platform for exchanging views on current economic and fiscal policy matters with a German perspective and in doing so seek to actively communicate on (even controversial) issues. 

Over 50 representatives from the world of business, the banking and financial community, think tanks, public institutions, ministries and associations came together at the end of November 2023 for Forum Bundesbank’s debut in Madrid. 

As a starting point and thematic basis for the panel discussion, Bundesbank representative Fabian Huttner opened the forum with a keynote speech focusing on Germany’s current economic weakness, the implications of the Federal Constitutional Court’s ruling on the debt brake and the essential reform of EU fiscal rules.

© Roberto Cano

This was followed by a lively panel discussion moderated by Amador Ayora editor-in-chief of the renowned business newspaper “El Economista”. The debate focused on the economic challenges currently facing Europe, from weak growth and high inflation to potential supply chain problems and the latest ruling by Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court on public finances. However, it also covered European issues such as the reform of EU fiscal rules and the borrowing limits that should apply to European countries in the future. 

The discussion was led by Judith Arnal, senior research fellow at the Elcano Royal Institute, Alicia Coronil, chief economist at Singular Bank, and Fabian Huttner, the Bundesbank’s representative in Spain.

The Forum Bundesbank in Spain has proved to be a successful format for exchanging ideas. It has shown that two-way communication is crucial in addressing the complex economic challenges of our time. 

We invite you to be part of this exciting journey. If you are in Spain, take the opportunity to participate in our forum. The concept behind Forum Bundesbank is the free and frank exchange of views and ideas and the deepening of economic and fiscal relations with a German slant.

Text: Fabian Huttner