Press Release

European Banking & Financial Forum 2009

Congress Centre of the Czech National Bank & Residence of the Mayor of Prague
March 24 - 26, 2009

 

During March 24-26 Comenius Society organized already 17th European Banking & Financial Forum. Every year the Forum provides a platform for meetings between the top representatives of Central Banks, international financial institutions, bankers and financiers, high ranking representatives of state administration and many other authorities, to exchange opinions and discuss current issues and topics in the world of finances.

Considering the current domestic as well as international situation the main theme could not concentrate on anything else but the impact of the financial crisis and the way it will change our lives.

The first day of the forum focused on central banks, financial systems and possibilities of using IT solutions in these areas. The most awaited speaker was the French Minister of Economy Mrs. Christine Lagarde. However, her participation had to be replaced by the video address due to the preparation meeting of the ministers before the G20 summit in London. In the video address Mrs. Lagarde expressed her support to the Czech Republic during its EU Presidency as well as during the uneasy times of the crisis. She was followed by the presentations of the governors of central banks from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Serbia, ArmeniaUSA. The last panel of the first day was reserved for the specialists from the field of information technologies. They all agreed that sophisticated systems can significantly help financial institutions in the solutions of the current complicated situation as well as aid in the everyday processes, and that it is clearly profitable to keep investing into these. 

The second day of the forum was opened by a very extraordinary guest – Ukrainian President Yushchenko. In his 20 minute long speech Mr. President expressed his deep belief that Ukraine will withhold the pressure of the world crisis. In the course of the day several top managers of the forefront world financial institutions shared their experience with the audience about the impacts of the world financial crisis and the way they deal with them. Whether it was speakers from insurance companies, banking houses or financial consulting groups, they all looked with optimism to the brighter future soon to come.

The third working day took place in the Residence of the Mayor of Prague, and as has already become a good tradition it was entirely focused on Russia and CIS states in general. Morning panels discussed the key role of energy resources in the present day world and the potential and importance of investments east of our borders. Afternoon panel then focused on the impacts of the Czech and Swedish EU Presidencies on the CIS region and its relations with the EU.   

Altogether over 400 participants from the entire world, several dozens of journalists and TV crews registered for the forum.

The live webcast was available throughout the entire forum at www.ebff.cz, and it is still recorded at this website. There is also detailed program, presentations delivered at the forum and other information.

The 18th European Banking & Financial Forum will take place on March 23. – 25. 2010.

The web cast of the conference is available HERE