Thea Utoft Høj Jensen, Director General of Insurance Europe will attend FIAR 2025 at the kind invitation of UNSAR – the Romanian professional association of insurers. She will give a keynote speech in anticipation of which she shared with XPRIMM readers the following statement:

“On behalf of Insurance Europe, I am extremely pleased to be able to contribute to FIAR 2025 and to engage in discussions on the challenges and opportunities shaping the insurance sector in Europe, and specifically in Romania and the wider CEE region. I also want to thank UNSAR, and in particular to Alexandru Ciuncan, for inviting me to be part of this year’s event and for being a very valued member of Insurance Europe, and for all their contributions to our work at European level.

At a time of significant economic and geopolitical uncertainty, insurers remain a cornerstone of financial stability, long-term investment, and risk protection. Ensuring the industry can continue to effectively fulfil this role requires a regulatory and policy environment that fosters resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth.

A key priority is unlocking the full potential of insurance as a long-term investor. Through the European Commission’s Savings and Investments Union initiative, there is a unique opportunity to channel more savings into productive investments that support economic growth and stability. Insurers manage €9.5 trillion in assets, with nearly 70% invested in EU equities and bonds, making them essential players in financing the green and digital transitions.

Another important priority is strengthening climate resilience, particularly as we face increasingly more frequent and severe natural catastrophes. Romania and the CEE region face unique exposures and market conditions that require tailored solutions. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to ensure that risk-sharing mechanisms are fit for purpose. Any measures taken must be flexible enough to accommodate the varying regulatory frameworks, traditions, and levels of insurance penetration across Europe.

Meanwhile, digitalization and Artificial Intelligence continue to transform the insurance industry, offering new ways to assess risk, prevent fraud, and enhance customer experience. However, fair competition and regulatory clarity are crucial. While insurers face strict compliance requirements, Big Tech and other digital market entrants increasingly operate in insurance without the same oversight. Ensuring a level playing field - where all players operate under fair, consistent rules - is essential to foster trust and innovation. Additionally, insurers need access to critical data, such as in-vehicle generated data points, to develop competitive and consumer-focused solutions.

In this period of challenges where we face a range of crises, it is very important that the full value of insurance is recognized - not only as a provider of financial protection but also as a stabilizing force for economies and societies. A regulatory framework that enables insurers to fulfil their role effectively will be key to ensuring a competitive and resilient insurance market in Romania, across the CEE region, and throughout Europe.

A thriving insurance sector is therefore critically important for society, the economy and Europe. As a vocal and active member of Insurance Europe, UNSAR not only represents insurers in Romania but contributes to shaping the European

industry. In this spirit, FIAR provides a valuable opportunity to exchange perspectives, strengthen collaboration, and shape solutions that support a strong, forward-looking insurance sector. I look forward to contributing to these important discussions.”

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We are honored to welcome Thea Utoft Høj Jensen, Director General of Insurance Europe and Secretary General of the Global Federation of Insurance Associations (GFIA), as the keynote speaker at FIAR 2025. Appointed as Director General in November 2024, Thea brings nearly two decades of experience in the financial services sector and European affairs. Prior to her current role, she served as Senior Managing Director and Head of Financial Services in Brussels at FTI Consulting, and as Financial Services Counsellor for the Danish Permanent Representation to the European Union, where she led Council negotiations at attaché-level for Denmark at the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN). Her extensive expertise and leadership are invaluable as we navigate the evolving landscape of the insurance and reinsurance industry.​