In a significant step toward fostering regional economic development, seven Central European stock exchanges have joined forces with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to strengthen capital markets across the region. The agreement, signed on November 13 in Bratislava, outlines a collaborative approach to address shared challenges and promote integration among the region's financial markets.
The agreement brings together the Budapest Stock Exchange (BSE), Bratislava Stock Exchange (BSSE), Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB), Bulgarian Stock Exchange (BSE), Ljubljana Stock Exchange (LJSE), Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE), and Zagreb Stock Exchange (ZSE). Together with the EBRD, these institutions aim to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of capital markets for businesses and investors.
Key priorities outlined in the memorandum include expanding primary markets, developing institutional frameworks to encourage long-term retail savings, increasing retail investor participation, integrating new technologies, and sharing best practices. These measures are intended to support economic growth, particularly for fast-growing and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
“Central European stock exchanges play a vital role in shaping and developing local capital market ecosystems,” said Richárd Végh, CEO of the Budapest Stock Exchange. He emphasized that BSE is committed to driving economic growth and supporting sustainable development across the region.
The partnership also aims to integrate regional capital markets by facilitating cross-border business flows, thereby creating a more unified and efficient financial ecosystem. The EBRD reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing regional capital markets and supporting local financial infrastructures as part of its broader mission to boost economic resilience and development.
Well-functioning capital markets are seen as essential for providing the financing that SMEs need to scale and innovate while offering investors opportunities to participate in regional economic success. The collaboration between these exchanges is expected to strengthen the overall competitiveness and sustainability of the region's economies.
By pooling resources and sharing expertise, the partnership seeks to address common challenges and drive progress in building a robust and interconnected capital market infrastructure for Central Europe.
