MEP Rada Laykova (ESN) has asked the European Commission whether it has contacted Austrian authorities to assess if Oberbank's decision to stop providing cash services complies with EU law and the proposed cash regulation. The question, submitted on 20 May 2026, follows a previous exchange in which Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis stated that the Euro Legal Tender Experts Group (ELTEG) had concluded that banks' withdrawal of cash services does not relieve them of their social role, but that compliance must be assessed case-by-case by national authorities.
Laykova's question seeks clarity on whether the Commission has acted on its stated intention to contact national competent authorities. She asks for the exact results of any such engagement, or an explanation for inaction. The query targets the Commission's role in ensuring that bank decisions align with EU goals on cash access, as outlined in the proposed regulation on the legal tender of euro banknotes and coins.
The question signals concern that Oberbank's move could undermine citizens' access to cash, a key issue for consumers and small businesses in Austria. It also puts pressure on the Commission to enforce EU-level commitments against local banking practices. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks, and its answer will indicate whether it prioritises national discretion or EU-wide cash access standards.