Good afternoon,
Distinguished guests,
It is a pleasure and an honour to open todays conference, “From Zero to Hero”, dedicated to empowering women through financial education.
I would like to thank the Findependent Association and the Ladies Forum Bulgaria for this initiative, and for their dedication to advancing both financial literacy and womens empowerment.
These are issues very close to my heart, and central to my work as European Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union.
Financial literacy is not just a personal skill—it is a fundamental building block of a fairer, more resilient, and more inclusive economy. An economy where women can fully participate, invest with confidence, and shape their own financial futures.
Todays conference revolves around three powerful messages—simple, yet transformative truths. Allow me to reflect on each of them in turn, and to connect them to the work we are advancing at the European level.
First: Money should work for us, not the other way around.
Across Europe, women are highly educated, entrepreneurial, and engaged. And yet, too often, their financial potential is underutilised.
We know that women tend to save more conservatively, keep more of their wealth in cash, and participate less in capital markets compared to men. Over time, this means women may accumulate less wealth, enjoy less financial independence, and face greater challenges in retirement.
This is not a question of ability or ambition—it is often a question of access, trust, and knowledge. Financial literacy equips us to make informed choices: to move from passive saving to active investing; to see money not only as a reward for hard work, but also as a tool for opportunity and empowerment.
This is precisely why, in a few weeks, the European Commission will present a strategy for financial literacy and financial inclusion. The goal is simple: to help citizens, and especially women, make their money work for them, while at the same time contributing to Europes economy.
Second: Loss is part of the game. Sometimes we win, sometimes we learn.
When it comes to financial decisions, fear of loss can be paralysing. Many women hesitate to invest because they want absolute certainty and security. But financial markets, like life itself, involve risks.
What matters is not eliminating risk—that is impossible—but understanding it, managing it, and growing stronger from the experience.
This is why financial education must go beyond numbers and formulas. It must help us separate rational analysis from emotional reaction.
To know that temporary losses do not define failure but are part of a longer learning journey. To transform mistakes into lessons, and lessons into confidence.
In the Savings and Investments Union, which I am responsible for building, we want to create an environment where Europeans—women and men alike—can invest more easily and safely.
This includes transparent products, simple information, and clear safeguards against fraud and abuse. But it also means recognising that not every investment succeeds—and that is part of building resilience and long-term financial well-being.
Third: There is a financial tool for every woman.
Every woman has her own story, her own priorities, her own dreams. For some, it may be saving for a home, for others building a business, or ensuring security in retirement. There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. The right financial tool is the one that allows each woman to sleep peacefully at night—because she knows her choices align with her needs and values.
Our role, as policymakers and as financial educators, is to make sure those tools are available, accessible, and understandable. This is why the Commission is working on new savings and investment products that are transparent, trustworthy, and easy to use.
It is why we insist on clear language, fair treatment, and digital solutions that make finance approachable to all.
And let me add: financial tools are not only about personal gain. They are also about collective impact. By mobilising womens savings into sustainable investments, we can drive the green and digital transitions, support innovation, and strengthen Europes competitiveness.
Empowering women financially is therefore not only good for women—it is good for all Europeans.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Empowerment starts with knowledge.
Knowledge leads to confidence.
And confidence leads to action.
This is why the work of Findependent and the Ladies Forum Bulgaria is so vital. By breaking down barriers, by offering knowledge and inspiration, you are equipping women with the skills to take control of their financial journeys.
As European Commissioner, I can assure you that financial literacy is not a side project—it is a central pillar of the Savings and Investments Union. Because a strong financial system is not only about banks and markets. It is about people. It is about giving every European, regardless of gender, the tools to turn savings into opportunities, to turn risks into resilience, and to turn financial independence into real empowerment.
The title of this conference says it all: “From Zero to Hero”. Every woman has the potential to be the hero of her own financial story. Our role—yours, mine, and Europes—is to ensure she has the knowledge, the tools, and the confidence to do so.
I had the opportunity to visit Bulgaria a few weeks ago and connect with some truly inspiring women. After hearing their stories, Im more confident than ever that the future is promising.
I thank you all for your dedication, and I wish you a fruitful and inspiring conference.
Thank you, Blagodaryá.
