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AI Spurs Productivity Surge In The Eurozone, ECB Cautions On Labor Impact

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde told a European Parliament committee that artificial intelligence is already contributing to productivity gains across the eurozone. At the same time, she said concerns about large-scale job losses remain largely theoretical at this stage.

Her remarks reflect a growing policy focus on how AI adoption may reshape economic performance while raising longer-term questions about labor markets.

AI As A Catalyst For Productivity

The integration of artificial intelligence into various industries is yielding tangible efficiency gains. According to Lagarde, current developments indicate that AI is effectively boosting productivity levels, reinforcing its status as a transformative force in today’s business landscape. This growth trajectory underscores the potential for AI to drive future economic resilience.

Vigilance Over Labour Market Implications

Despite productivity improvements, Lagarde said there is no clear sign so far of widespread employment disruption linked to AI adoption. She noted that while automation is influencing how businesses operate, it has not yet resulted in large-scale layoffs. The ECB continues to monitor labor market indicators as technology adoption expands.

A Balanced Perspective On Technology And Jobs

The discussion highlights a broader policy challenge for Europe: supporting innovation while maintaining labor market stability. Policymakers are increasingly focused on ensuring that productivity gains from AI translate into sustainable economic growth without creating abrupt employment shocks. Lagarde’s comments reflect the ECB’s position that the impact of AI on jobs remains uncertain and will depend on how companies, workers, and regulators adapt in the coming years.

Eurobank Plans €1 Billion Investment In AI And Digital Banking By 2028

Eurobank plans to invest about €1 billion in technology from 2025 through 2028, its largest technology investment program to date. The Banking Forward strategy focuses on digital banking, artificial intelligence, customer experience and a “phygital” model combining digital services with face-to-face support.

Digital Banking Dominates Customer Activity

Digital channels already account for 96% of Eurobank transactions, with 61% completed through the Eurobank Mobile App. Among customers aged 35 and under, digital adoption reaches 94%.

Customers make about 574 million annual logins across e/m-banking and more than 1 million digital transactions each day. During the first half of 2026, one in three banking products was acquired digitally.

AI Moves Into Everyday Banking

Eurobank is expanding the use of AI through tools including EVA, its digital customer assistant, and myEVA, an AI-powered voice assistant for employees. The technology is also being applied to mortgage assessments, customer feedback analysis and contractual documents.

The bank’s technology architecture is built around five areas: digital channels, customer experience orchestration, data and AI, core banking, and infrastructure and cloud. About 50% of its applications and digital channels are already cloud-based.

Investment Extends Beyond Technology

The program is intended to reshape how Eurobank operates, combining automation and AI with employee development and human support. The bank says the approach is designed to improve services while maintaining access to face-to-face banking when customers need it.

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