On 15 and 16 November, the Bundesbank invited 250 motivated young people to its second Euro20+ event. Under the slogan “Your Europe. Your Future”, the participants came together to discuss key economic and social issues concerning the future of Europe and the euro area. Thirty guests from all over Europe were also in attendance this time around, contributing their points of view in various workshops. 

Discussions with members of the Executive Board

The highlight of the event was the town hall meeting with Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann and YouTuber Tilo Jung. Many participants took this opportunity to ask Mr Weidmann about cooperation in the ECB Governing Council, the inflation target and economic policy in general. For the first time, they also had the chance to discuss monetary policy with Madis Müller, the latest central bank governor to join the Council. As part of the workshop “Money shapes the world – can it shape the climate, too?”, Sabine Mauderer spoke about sustainable investment, following which she invited attendees to participate in group work in a plenary session. Bundesbank Executive Board members Johannes Beermann and Joachim Wuermeling talked with participants about payment options in the euro area as well as the implications of crypto tokens such as Libra, Bitcoin and others like them for the financial markets. 

Euro20+ to return next year

Michael Best, the Bundesbank’s spokesman, offered a positive summary of the event: “We are impressed by how knowledgeably the participants discussed quite complex issues from the world of central banking with our Board members and visiting experts, and how strongly committed they are to the European idea. We look forward to repeating the Euro20+ event next year.” In 2020, Euro20+ is scheduled to take place on 30 and 31 October.