On 17 February 2025, the Centre for European Transformation launched its “C-Level Insights: Shaping Europe’s Transition” lecture series with Stefan Wintels, CEO of KfW, as the inaugural speaker. After a warm welcome from Frankfurt School President & CEO, Professor Nils Stieglitz, his lecture focused on KfW’s role in financing economic and societal transformations both nationally and internationally.
Facing a decisive decade marked by polycrisis, Stefan Wintels emphasised, Germany must urgently address challenges such as shrinking labour force potential, high energy costs, low public investment, and limited venture capital availability. To enhance competitiveness, substantial additional annual investments are required, alongside strategic reallocation of private assets. KfW aims to expand beyond traditional banking roles, acting as an enabler, crisis manager, and mobilizer of private capital to support Germany and Europe’s sustainable competitiveness and climate goals.
The discussion, moderated by Professor Sascha Steffen, Centre Director, Centre for European Transformation, highlighted the necessity of mobilizing private capital as a strategic imperative for enhancing Germany’s and Europe’s competitiveness. While public capital is essential, private capital is urgently needed to attract external investments and mobilize internal resources. The path forward is clear, but it requires collective commitment to drive change.
Stefan Wintels concluded by encouraging a forward-looking approach, viewing transformation as an opportunity rather than a challenge. The event continued with a networking reception where guests exchanged ideas on the future of European competitiveness.
