As part of its efforts to build a Savings and Investments Union, the European Commission is supporting measures to create better financial opportunities for citizens who wish to invest.
Savings and Investment Accounts have already shown significant potential in some Member States. Now the European Commission is committed to ensuring that everybody across the EU can enjoy the same opportunities.
Investing for Big GoalsAlthough investing requires patience, in the longterm it has the potential to outpace inflation and offer higher returns than other types of saving, helping citizens achieve their major life goals.
Investing with ConfidenceCitizens should be able to make informed investment decisions. The European Commission has adopted a financial literacy strategy to help citizens better understand investment principles, opportunities and risks.
Investing with BalanceBefore starting to invest, it is important to keep some savings readily available for unexpected expenses. While investing carries risks, diversifying your investments (not putting all your eggs in one basket) can help manage and contain them.
Investing for GrowthInvesting also benefits citizens indirectly by supporting businesses which seek funding to expand. This drives economic growth and job creation across the EU.
Compared to deposits, investments in the equity market present higher volatility but also higher potential return in the long term. Over the 2009-2024 period, the value of an investment in the European stock market would have grown by more than 50%, net of inflation.
However, if the same money had been held in deposits, its value would have decreased by more than 10% in real terms, meaning that at the end of 2024 that money would not have been sufficient to buy the same quantity of goods and services compared to the beginning of 2009.
What is a Savings and Investment Account (SIA)?
A SIA is a special type of account designed to complement everyday bank or savings accounts. With a minimal contribution - as low as 10 euro per month – SIAs offer individuals the opportunity to invest in different products such as shares, bonds or funds in a simple and accessible manner.
SIAs often come with simple tax rules and attractive tax benefits - allowing investors to retain a greater portion of their earnings.
Who can open an SIA?
SIAs are designed for individuals looking to grow their savings by investing in financial markets.
In several EU countries these accounts are already available.
Now the European Commission is encouraging all Member States to establish and further improve these accounts to ensure broader access and maximise their benefits for citizens across the EU.
How can citizens access SIAs?
In Member States where they already exist, SIAs are offered by regulated financial services providers, including traditional and online banks. Citizens always have full control over their investment choices across various financial products and economic sectors.
All providers operate within the framework of EU investor protection rules, which include safeguards against mis-selling and require the provision of clear, comprehensible product information.
