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EU to Revamp Bank Merger Rules, Free €230bn Assets

7/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

EU Commission will overhaul cross-border bank-merger rules to free €230 billion of liquid assets.
On July 17 the Commission issued a report urging limits on political interference in EU banking mergers.
Germany rejected UniCredit’s bid for Commerzbank, citing a wish to keep the lender German-owned.
The Commission will present proposals in Q1 2027 to tighten merger-intervention rules, a plan French banking lobby FBF praised but said must include coordination measures.

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Story summary

EU Commission will overhaul cross-border bank-merger rules to free €230 billion of liquid assets.
On July 17 the Commission issued a report urging limits on political interference in EU banking mergers.
Germany rejected UniCredit’s bid for Commerzbank, citing a wish to keep the lender German-owned.
The Commission will present proposals in Q1 2027 to tighten merger-intervention rules, a plan French banking lobby FBF praised but said must include coordination measures.