Symposium

The recovery from the corona virus pandemic provides a unique opportunity for transformation. But what does it take for the German and the European economy to thrive in the new, more digital, post-Covid world? How can we transform our economies while also limiting climate change and preparing for its impact? Will we manage to advance structural transformation while strengthening social cohesion?

The present risks are substantial. Policy support in Germany and across the EU has been substantial but often too untargeted and will need to be phased out looking ahead. Uncertainty remains high and many companies find themselves in a very challenging situation, experiencing financial strain while having to adapt to a ‘new normal’. Despite the renewed push for digitalization, many firms are still lagging behind. Failing to catch up risks deepening divides among firms and people and losing advantage in areas where firms still have a technological edge.

Not meeting these challenges will delay recovery. Moreover, it means that sustainability, competitiveness and prosperity might be impaired for decades and risks to social cohesion mount.

The event will debate how Europe and Germany can successfully transition to a smart and green economy and while mitigating transition risks. It will present findings from the EIB Investment Report “Building a smart and green Europe in the COVID-19 era” and informed by results from the EIB Investment Survey, a unique datasource providing insights on corporate investment activity for Germany and the EU, allowing understanding structural trends.