MEPs conclude visit to IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok

A delegation of Economic and Monetary affairs committee MEPs have just concluded a visit to the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings.

On 14-16 October 2026, a delegation from the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee (ECON) travelled to the IMF-World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok (Thailand) to discuss current financial and economic challenges.

Reflecting on the delegation’s discussions, Fernando Navarrete Rojas (EPP, ES), leader of the delegation, made the following statement:

“This year’s discussions took place against a backdrop of elevated energy costs, heightened geopolitical risks, record high public debt at the global level and persistent fiscal pressures, as well as uncertainty about the impact of AI on future productivity growth. Despite these challenges, the global economy has proven more resilient than anticipated. Yet, vulnerabilities remain, and the policy buffers available to absorb future shocks are narrowing.

In the EU, a credible policy framework and reforms undertaken in the aftermath of past crises have helped strengthen economic resilience. But Europe cannot afford complacency. To boost growth and competitiveness, we must deepen the Single Market and remove persistent barriers. Completing the Savings and Investments Union and advancing an ambitious Market Integration and Supervision Package are key priorities. Through its legislative work, the ECON Committee is actively contributing to a stronger, more dynamic, integrated and resilient European economy.

Finally, the meetings highlighted the IMF’s crucial role in navigating uncertainty and safeguarding financial stability and reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation. At a time when the rules-based global order is under increasing strain, we remain firmly committed to multilateralism and international cooperation.”

Background

The delegation, composed of 7 MEPs was in Bangkok (Thailand) between Wednesday 14 October and Friday 16 October to attend the 2026 Annual Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank. On this occasion, the delegation held numerous meetings, including with IMF and World Bank officials, representatives of US authorities, as well as think tanks, industry and other stakeholders.

Topics high on the agenda of the delegation included the global and European economic outlooks, EU economic governance, debt sustainability and public investment, economic and climate risks to the system, trade imbalances and multilateralism, digital finance, financial and capital markets regulation, the effects of AI, as well as Ukraine.

The delegation was composed of the following Members:

Fernando NAVARRETE ROJAS, (EPP, ES) (Head of Delegation)

Michalis HADJIPANTELA, (EPP, CY)

Eniko GYORI, (PfE, HU)

Mariateresa VIVALDINI, (ECR, IT)

Stéphanie YON-COURTIN, (Renew, FR)

Ivars IJABS, (Renew, LV)

Fabio DE MASI, (NI, DE)