Macroeconomic and geopolitical trends

The meeting opened with an overview of major macroeconomic and geopolitical trends presented by Länsförsäkringar (Sweden), during which insurers were advised to build resilience, identify vulnerabilities, diversify, prepare, and remain agile.

Pensions

Next, the European Commission’s strategy for a Savings and Investment Union (SIU), which includes a review of existing European pension legislation, was examined. Insurance Europe and LocalTapiola (Finland) discussed the implications for cooperative and mutual insurers, stressing the need for a balanced regulatory framework that respects national realities while enabling diverse models to coexist and thrive.

Investments

With the EU navigating ecological and digital transitions, UNESPA (Spain) and Groupe Aéma (France) explored ways to channel private savings more effectively toward long-term financing of the EU’s real economy, including through the implementation of the EU single market for financial services and the Finance Europe label. Groupe Aéma (France) highlighted that the success of the Savings and Investment Union strategy should also be measured by its ability to reduce inequalities in access to diversified and high-performing savings for European citizens.

Sustainable finance

WWF and Unipol Group (Italy) discussed the European Commission’s recent shift toward reducing regulatory burdens and simplifying legislation, highlighting the implications for insurers integrating ESG considerations into their sustainability strategies. WWF pointed out the opportunity to better connect climate adaptation, climate mitigation, and nature-based solutions. Meanwhile, Unipol Group emphasised the need for better regulations—not less regulation—arguing that incorporating ESG considerations into its business model is essential for long-term performance, resilience, and value creation.

Insurance in the AI era

In another presentation, the IBM Institute for Business Value shared insights from its report Insurance in the AI Era, which examines the profound impact of AI on the insurance sector and presents findings from recent surveys and industry trends. The report found that insurers spend two-thirds of their AI investment on optimising efficiency and modernisation efforts, and only one-third on innovation.

Competitiveness

The meeting also featured a discussion on how mutual insurers can identify and respond to evolving consumer needs within the EU’s competitiveness strategy. P&V Group (Belgium) offered practical tips for differentiation in an increasingly competitive market by focusing on health prevention, offering special programmes for underserved groups, and building ecosystems by forming partnerships with organisations that share similar values.

Keynote

In its keynote address, IAIS presented its Strategic Plan 2025–2029, outlined key elements of its work programme for the coming year, and addressed pre-retirement and post-retirement challenges and opportunities for insurers.

Round-up

Closing the meeting, AMICE emphasised the need for mutual insurers to continually evolve and invest in new capabilities to meet future challenges.

Speakers:

• Alexandra Stråberg, Chief Economist, Länsförsäkringar (Sweden)
• Fabienne Zwagemakers, Manager, General & Personal Insurance, Insurance Europe (Presentation attached)
• Lauri Saraste, Director of Development, Regulation & ESG, LocalTapiola (Finland) (Presentation attached)
• Carlos Esquivias Escobar, Director of Personal Insurance and Tax Policy, UNESPA (Spain)
• Clara Adiceom, Director, Life Strategy & Governance, Groupe Aéma (France)
• Sébastien Godinot, Economist, WWF European Policy Office
• Luca Giordano, Head, Corporate Social Responsibility, Unipol Group (Italy) (Presentation attached)
• Christian Bieck, IBM Institute for Business Value, Global Research (Presentation attached)
• Wouter Demeulenaere, Head of Business Development Life, Employee Benefits & Health, P&V Group (Belgium) (Presentation attached)
• Jonathan Dixon, Secretary General, IAIS
• Grzegorz Buczkowski, President, AMICE, and CEO, Saltus TUW (Poland)