The public mission of the institutions of the Savings Banks Finance Group is becoming increasingly important in these times. Foundation work is an important pillar of social commitment, but so is special commitment such as support for the European Youth Parliament. In this interview, Karolin Schriever addresses both points and explains why strengthening local regions always goes hand in hand with strengthening the European idea.
Ms Schriever, you moved from a Big Four auditing firm to the management of the DSGV in September 2022. How has your time at the helm of the umbrella organisation for these public-law institutions been so far?
The change felt like a homecoming from day one, as I started my professional career in the traditional way by training as a bank clerk at a Savings Bank. Above all, I am always impressed by the diversity with which the 200-year-old public service mission of the Savings Banks is realised in the regions of our country. This is where the advantages of a decentralised network structure with strong local roots really come into their own.
What significance do Savings Banks and the other institutions of the Savings Banks Finance Group have in times of multiple crises?
If the crises of recent years have shown one thing, it is this: Savings Banks are a stabilising factor for the economy, but also for society. This was already evident during the global financial crisis 15 years ago, when there was an enormous increase in deposits at Savings Banks. People trust the Savings Banks. And also during the pandemic, when the institutions of the Savings Banks Finance Group reliably channelled development loans. At the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, Savings Banks opened hundreds of thousands of accounts for refugees.
What role do the foundations of the Savings Banks Finance Group play and what contribution can they make to society?
The 771 charitable foundations of the Savings Banks Finance Group play a pivotal role in fulfilling the Savings Banks’ public mission. Thanks to them, the commitment to the common good can be realised in thousands of socially relevant projects every year. This makes the Savings Banks Finance Group the most active corporate organisation in Germany in terms of charitable donations.
»A strong regional level is entirely in Europe’s interests.«
Executive Member of the Board of the DSGV
In addition to its extensive foundation work, the German Savings Banks Association (DSGV) is also involved in the European Youth Parliament (EYP) together with the European Savings and Retail Banking Group (ESBG). What exactly is this parliament?
The European Youth Parliament is an educational programme that is unique in Europe and motivates young people to engage with current European issues and peaceful political discourse. The EYP is represented in 39 European countries and thus connects young people throughout Europe. At the Europe-wide sessions, they experience intercultural dialogue, active democratic participation and tolerance. The commitment and willingness of young people to solve the challenges of our time together is a formative experience for these young people, whose hands will shape our future.
What does the support for the EYP look like in concrete terms?
Since 2011, the DSGV, together with the European Savings and Retail Banking Group (ESBG), has sponsored the EYP International Meetings through a partnership with the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe. In addition to the sponsorship commitment, this includes attendance at the events – either by members of the management of both sponsorship partners or by contributions from experts on the topics of the respective events. The Savings Banks live the democratic idea of social participation and economic self-determination on a daily basis. This is why we feel a special bond with the EYP. With our social commitment, we are committed to the comprehensive participation of all people. Our commitment to the EYP is part of this extensive social commitment based on the Savings Bank idea.
What else should be done at European level to strengthen the individual regions throughout Germany and Europe?
One of the central principles of the European Treaties is rightly the principle of subsidiarity. It
states that decisions should be made as close to the people as possible. A strong regional level is
therefore entirely in Europe’s interests. However, it is important not to lose sight of the
subsidiarity principle in day-to-day politics and in view of the major decisions made in Brussels.
What can the Savings Banks and Savings Banks Foundations do specifically to strengthen the regions?
The projects supported by the Savings Banks and the foundations of the Savings Banks Finance Group are tailored to the individual needs and challenges of local communities. This means that the strengthening takes place directly in the region itself. I am convinced that this is the best possible way to strengthen the regional level for the country and for Europe.
What are the prospects and opportunities for the Savings Banks and their foundations themselves?
The future of the Savings Banks and their foundations lies in reinforcing their role as reliable and sustainable pillars of social commitment. The promotion of forward-looking innovation and entrepreneurship, for example through the German Start-up Award, is at the centre of this.