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ECB’s Consultation On Internal Governance: A Strategic Shift In Banking Regulation

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 25, 2024

The European Central Bank (ECB) has launched a public consultation on a new internal governance and risk culture framework for banks, reflecting the institution’s supervisory priorities under the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM). This initiative underscores the ECB’s commitment to ensuring robust management practices within European banks, aiming to mitigate the systemic risks highlighted by the global financial crisis and subsequent bank failures.

Enhanced Governance Standards

The proposed framework replaces the 2016 SSM supervisory statement, providing a comprehensive roadmap for banks to establish more effective internal governance structures and risk cultures. It delineates supervisory expectations regarding the composition and function of banks’ management bodies and committees, the roles and responsibilities of internal control functions, and the significance of a strong risk culture.

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This update incorporates the latest standards from the European Banking Authority (EBA) and showcases best practices identified by the ECB over the years. By setting clear guidelines, the ECB aims to standardise governance practices across the banking sector, fostering stability and resilience.

Addressing Governance Shortcomings

Historical shortcomings in governance and risk culture have often led to significant difficulties for banks, as evidenced during financial crises. Poor decision-making processes can result in imbalances between risk-taking and risk control, posing capital risks and undermining banks’ operational resilience. The ECB’s new guide seeks to address these issues by promoting balanced and well-informed decision-making frameworks within banks.

Ongoing Monitoring and Enforcement

Despite notable progress, the ECB stresses that banks must continue enhancing their governance standards. The central bank will intensify its supervisory scrutiny and employ all available tools to ensure compliance with the new guidelines. This proactive stance is crucial for preempting potential governance failures and maintaining the stability of the European banking sector.

Public Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement

The consultation period, which concludes on 16 October 2024, invites feedback from various stakeholders, including experts from supervised institutions. A stakeholder meeting scheduled for 26 September 2024 will facilitate direct dialogue between the ECB and banking professionals, ensuring the final framework reflects a comprehensive understanding of industry perspectives.

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EU Farm Output Prices Decline For The First Time In Nine Months

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 12, 2026

EU Market Adjustments Signal New Price Trends

Agricultural output prices across the European Union declined in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a shift after several quarters of increases. Data from Eurostat shows that farm gate prices fell by 1.9% compared with the same period in 2024.

Crisis of Declining Prices In Select Markets

Cyprus recorded one of the more notable decreases in agricultural input costs among EU member states, with prices falling by 2.6% compared with Q4 2024. The reduction eased cost pressures for the local agricultural sector following periods of higher prices earlier in 2025. Across the EU, prices for goods and services consumed in agriculture remained relatively stable. Non-investment inputs such as energy, fertilisers and feedingstuffs showed limited overall changes during the quarter.

Country-Specific Divergence In Price Movements

Eurostat data highlights considerable variation across member states. Fifteen EU countries recorded declines in agricultural output prices. Belgium registered the largest decrease at 12.9%, followed by Lithuania (8.2%) and Germany (6.0%). At the same time, twelve countries reported increases in output prices. Ireland recorded the strongest rise at 6.8%, followed by Slovenia (5.6%) and Malta (4.2%).

Stability In Agricultural Inputs Amid Commodity Shifts

Agricultural input prices also showed mixed developments. Eleven member states recorded declines, including Cyprus (2.6%), Belgium (2.1%) and Sweden (2.0%). Other countries experienced moderate increases, including Lithuania (4.2%), Ireland (3.3%) and Romania (2.5%). Among major agricultural commodities, milk prices declined by 4.1% while cereal prices fell by 8.9% across the EU. In contrast, fertilisers and soil improvers increased by 7.9%, reflecting continued volatility in input markets.

Outlook For EU Agriculture

The latest Eurostat data points to uneven price developments across the EU agricultural sector. While input prices remained broadly stable in many markets, movements in output prices varied significantly between member states. These trends highlight the need for farmers and policymakers to adapt to shifting commodity prices and changing cost structures across the European agricultural market.