Memorandum on Connecting the ZSE with Regional Markets is Coming

On the long road of the process that should result in the buying and selling of shares in Hungary or Romania being as simple as buying on the domestic market, another small step forward has been achieved. As announced by the Government on Wednesday, Vice President and Finance Minister Marko Primorac led a ministerial meeting on the initiative aimed at integrating the capital markets of Central and Southeast European countries.

This initiative is from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) regarding the regional technical connection of stock exchanges from Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and North Macedonia. The goal of this connection is to facilitate cross-border access to these markets for small investors. As Lider has previously reported, all involved exchanges recognize the need for stronger connectivity, especially in the context of the Capital Markets Union and the existence of large stock exchange groups in Europe.

Minister Primorac’s meeting was held on the sidelines of the EBRD Annual Meeting in London, organized by the Croatian Ministry of Finance with the support of the EBRD. Finance ministers and representatives from Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, and Slovakia participated in the meeting. The EBRD presented an overview of the current state of capital markets in Central and Southeast Europe, as well as the initiative for connecting exchanges, highlighting the benefits that participation in this initiative brings.

In his presentation, Primorac emphasized the importance of a joint political commitment aimed at integrating capital markets, which is a strategic opportunity and will also be a step forward for all participating countries. The regional integration of the Croatian capital market is also one of the key strategic directions outlined in the Strategic Framework for the Development of the Capital Market in the Republic of Croatia 2025 – 2030, which the Government adopted in March this year. – Political will and concrete operational reforms will significantly increase the competitiveness of our countries, attract international investors, enhance cross-border trade and investments, and facilitate access to capital, thereby further stimulating economic growth – emphasized Primorac.

He also announced the next step in the process of regional integration – the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. The Memorandum, which will represent a historic breakthrough in this area, will confirm the joint political will and commitment to reforms that will enable a stronger, more efficient, and competitive capital market in all Central and Southeast European countries, the Ministry of Finance announced.