Savings banks’ commitment is expressed in different ways from one country to the other and this reflects the diverse legal and social traditions across Europe. Socially responsible activities are administered either by the savings banks directly or by other ad hoc vehicles set up for this specific purpose. Foundations for example were established by savings banks throughout Europe primarily to undertake such tasks. In Italy, they play a major role in projects linked to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. They also carry most of the savings banks’ projects in Sweden. In Germany, the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe is much more than.
