European Union Financial Services Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque emphasized the need for further integration of the EU's common market to compete with the US. She highlighted the importance of simplifying regulations to retain European capital, which currently flows to the US due to perceived easier investment conditions. Albuquerque expressed optimism about establishing a capital markets union by 2026, despite ongoing challenges. Support from influential figures like former ECB President Mario Draghi is seen as crucial for this initiative.