Banka Slovenije organized conference on green transition with European Investment Bank

At a conference entitled Towards the Green Transition: Investment and Prices organised by Banka Slovenije together with the European Investment Bank, delegates debated a number of unresolved issues relating to the green transition, with a particular focus on the impact of the green transition on the pace of investment and on price developments. We are aware that it is of key importance that our economies become greener and more resilient. The green transition is therefore not only vital, but also unavoidable, and will have an impact on the formulation of economic policies.

The event was opened by Boštjan Vasle, Governor of Banka Slovenije, and Ricardo Mourinho Félix, vice-president of the EIB. In his speech Mr Vasle raised the financing of green investment and the role of the central bank in addressing climate risks: “Large-scale green investments require the mobilisation of various funding sources, from bank lending and capital markets to public funds. Banks are still the main source of financing for European firms. As a supervisor, we encourage them to systematically assess, disclose and manage the climate risks in their portfolios. We try to lead by example, in terms of both the greening of our own investment portfolio, and progress in disclosure of its carbon footprint. Our addressing of climate change also extends to the area of monetary policy, as it can affect price stability, and assessment of the risks to financial stability.”

Mr Félix’s speech expressed satisfaction with the state of affairs in Slovenia: »It is encouraging to see that Slovenian firms have placed energy efficiency and digital technologies at the top of their agenda in the last two years. As the EU Climate Bank, we stand ready as a trusted partner to support Slovenian firms in the climate and digital transition.«

The keynote speaker, Prof Lučka Kajfež Bogataj discussed the latest developments in the area of climate change and its broader impact on the economy, while Debora Revoltella, chief economist at the EIB, presented the EIB’s latest research on investment for Slovenia, with a focus on climate change.

The main part of the event then followed: a roundtable that discussed the impact of the green transition on the pace of investment and on price developments. The participants were Tina Žumer, vice-governor of Banka Slovenije, Damjan Kozamernik, executive director at SID banka, and Maureen Schuller, head of financials sector strategy at ING. The roundtable was chaired by Simon Savšek of the European Investment Bank.

Mr Vasle’s speech
EIB's press release
Ms Kajfež Bogataj's presentation
Ms Revoltella's presentation

A recording of the conference can be found on this link.