What the EU is doing and why
Deposit guarantee schemes (DGS) reimburse up to a certain amount to compensate depositors whose bank has failed. A fundamental principle underlying DGS is that they are funded entirely by banks, and that no taxpayer funds are used.
Under EU rules, deposit guarantee schemes
- protect depositors' savings by guaranteeing deposits of up to €100 000
- help prevent the mass withdrawal of deposits in the case of a bank failure, which can create financial instability
The EU has gradually increased the level of deposit protection since the first directive for DGS was introduced in 1994.
Policy making timeline
- 20 April 2026Publication in the OJ - Bank recovery and resolution
- 26 June 2025Political agreement - CMDI framework
- 18 April 2023Legislative proposal - CMDI framework
- 25 February 2021Consultation - Bank crisis management and deposit insurance framework
- 16 April 2014Legislation - Deposit guarantee schemes
The EU adopted Directive 2014/49/EU. It requires EU countries to introduce laws setting up at least 1 DGS that all banks must join.
Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive II (DGSD II) - 2014/49/EU
The Deposit Guarantee Scheme Directive II (DGSD II) was adopted on 30 March 2026. It supports the objectives of the bank crisis management and deposit insurance (CMDI) reform and improves the protection of deposits by ensuring a more coherent application of rules and a better level playing field.
Basic information
Legislative history
Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive (DGSD) - 2014/49/EU
The original deposit guarantee schemes directive of 1994 only required a minimum level of harmonisation between domestic deposit guarantee schemes in the EU. It proved disruptive for financial stability and the internal market, especially during the financial crisis of 2007‑2009.
An amending directive in 2009 required EU countries to increase their protection of deposits firstly to a minimum of €50 000, and then to a uniform level of €100 000 by the end of 2010.
In 2014, the EU adopted Directive 2014/49/EU. It requires EU countries to introduce laws setting up at least 1 DGS that all banks must join. EU countries must
- ensure a harmonised level of protection for depositors
- produce lists of the types of deposits that are protected
DGSs set up and officially recognised in 1 EU country must cover the depositors at branches of their members in other EU countries.
The directive maintains the deposit protection of €100 000, and includes a gradual reduction of the repayment times of deposit guarantees.
It also restates the principle of resolving bank failures with the use of funds provided by financial institutions, and not by taxpayers.
Basic information
Transposition by EU Member States
- The DGSD was transposed by all EU Member States into their national law.
- Transposition history of the DGSD by EU Member States
Legislative history
This page was last updated on 20 April 2026