The European Union (EU) stands at a pivotal moment in its financial strategy, with two key reports providing new insights into unlocking the economic potential of mobilising €33.5 trillion in household savings. Former Italian Prime Ministers Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi have both presented crucial perspectives on how the EU can enhance retail investment and build a more robust Capital Markets Union (CMU). These reports, alongside the EU Commission’s renewed focus on the Savings and Investments Union and the newly elected European Parliament and not yet fully formed European Commission, present an opportunity to reshape the financial landscape and enhance economic competitiveness. However, these initiatives must address critical gaps highlighted in BETTER FINANCE’s manifesto to ensure EU retail investors truly benefit.