We are pleased to announce that on 13th of November 2024 in Bratislava seven stock exchanges from Central Europe and EBRD have officially confirmed their intention to enhance joint efforts in development of the regional capital markets.

Well-functioning capital markets are crucial for the real economy, particular SMEs, providing funds to fast-growing and innovative companies and enabling households to share in economic success. The stock exchanges in CE region play a vital role in developing the local capital markets ecosystem.

To strengthen regional capital market development and regional cooperation, increase the late-stage capital pool for growth and innovation, create additional funding opportunities for companies, smooth and integrate cross-border business processes for market participants and enhance investor participation to increase household wealth, representatives of Bratislava Stock Exchange, Budapest Stock Exchange, Bucharest Stock Exchange, Bulgarian Stock Exchange, Ljubljana Stock Exchange, Warsaw Stock Exchange and Zagreb Stock Exchange and the EBRD have signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

The Memorandum aims at fostering regional co-operation in identifying and implementing key initiatives to bolster the evolution of regional capital markets, while each stock exchange is working as an equal partner. Key areas of focus include expanding primary markets, enhancing the institutional framework for long-term household savings, encouraging retail investors participation, promoting the development of new technologies, increasing the efficiency of regional capital market infrastructure and sharing best practices. 

The signatories of the Memorandum believe that regional cooperation is better suited to address common challenges, as it allows for the pooling of resources to work more efficiently and stimulates regional capital flows via integrated cross-border processes. The present collective commitment from the region is crucial to its success. The EBRD shares this dedication to regional capital market development and nurturing of local ecosystems and pledges its support for regional cooperation.