PBZ: We Have Successfully Introduced the Euro

Zagreb, 2 January 2023 – It is with pleasure that we inform you that at Privredna banka Zagreb d.d. we have successfully implemented the introduction of the euro. As planned, today on 2 January, PBZ branches are open according to our regular working hours. Our clients – retail clients and business entities – can use all card services, ATMs and PBZ digital banking without any hindrances.

Moreover, we would like to remind you that until 15 January 2023, citizens can withdraw cash using their debit cards at ATMs of other banks in Croatia without any charge. The closest active ATM for the withdrawal of euros can be found on the map at https://bankomati.hub.hr/

“This was a very complex and demanding project and we have implemented it successfully. Banks were one of the key stakeholders in the euro introduction process, and I congratulate all the PBZ Group employees, as well as all other stakeholders who, with their work and commitment, contributed to the successful introduction of the euro as the official currency in the Republic of Croatia. The entry into the euro area will have a positive impact on our economy and the Croatian banking system. It will make us more competitive and resilient than when we were outside the euro area. The shortest time from entering the ERM II until the introduction of the euro, which for Croatia was 11 days less than in Slovenia, or as many as 225 days less than in Slovakia, is a huge compliment to the Croatian Government, Ministry of Finance and CNB, but it did present a major challenge for the banks in implementing this complex project this fast and it required effort of all the bank’s departments. Therefore, we are satisfied that we have completed all the tasks as expected, and provided our clients, who are at the core of our endeavours, an unhindered transition into this major global currency, already shifting the functionality of our channels several minutes after midnight on New Year’s Eve”, Dinko Lucić, President of the PBZ Management Board, said.

Photo: 
Dinko Lucić, President of the PBZ Management Board, and Elena Kohútiková, Euro Adviser for the PBZ Group, and Chairwoman of the Advisory Council of the Slovakian Prime Minister and former vice-governor of Slovakia, just after withdrawal of the first EURO notes from an ATM at midnight, in the company of other members of the Management Board who were on duty the entire New Year’s Eve.