The European Federation of Investors and Financial Services Users (BETTER FINANCE) addressed an open letter to the Board of Directors of UniCredit Group, expressing concerns over attempts to hinder the collective access of small shareholders to financial intermediaries, for which its subsidiary, Zagrebačka banka, is responsible. The bank has taken advantage of the anticipated increase in activity among small shareholders and investors — due to the expected issuance of VZAJEMNA INSURANCE shares — to reduce(!) the scope of its services or even partially withdraw them.

The Financial Services User Group (FSUG), an expert advisory body to the European Commission, has published its extensive 2024 Annual Report, summarizing key activities and achievements in advocating for the interests of financial services users across the EU. The report highlights the importance of user involvement in shaping financial policies and FSUG’s continuous efforts to enhance the regulatory framework for a more competitive financial sector.

In early May, the capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, will host the 29^th WORLD LAW CONGRESS, organized biennially by the WORLD JURIST ASSOCIATION - VIDEO: https://youtu.be/5_9_oGlDi_4. This influential international non-governmental organization boasts a 62-year tradition and holds special consultative status with the UNITED NATIONS Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The upcoming three-day program will feature over 1,000 esteemed legal professionals from more than 60 countries, encompassing 50 diverse panels on topics such as international law, human rights and freedom of expression, environmental and energy law, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, universal constitutional principles, and the rule of law.

VZMD VIDEO GREETINGS 2025: https://youtu.be/gSKK5G8WSRM   

It is with great sadness that we received the news of the passing of our

longtime friend, Henning Wegener,

the inspiring Secretary General of the Spanish Association of Shareholders (AEMEC),
a member of Euroshareholders and the World Federation of Investors (WFI),
Assistant Secretary General of NATO, and an exceptional diplomat,
whose example we deeply valued and who was a trusted partner throughout the 20 years of VZMD's existence.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to Hennings's loved ones.

Dear Henning, you will be missed!

In Wiesbaden, near Frankfurt, the International Investors' Conference “Europe at a Crossroads - Are We Still Competitive?” took place yesterday. The event, organized as part of its Annual Meeting by the European Federation of Investors and Financial Services Users (BETTER FINANCE) – in collaboration with the German Association for Shareholders (DSW), has become a well-established tradition.

In December, an international investor conference will take place in Wiesbaden, near Frankfurt. This event, traditionally organized biennially by the German Shareholders’ Association (DSW) and the European Federation of Investors & Financial Services Users (BETTER FINANCE), will this year be held under the title "Europe at a Crossroads – Are We Still Competitive?" This significant gathering, which accompanies the General Assembly and the meetings of BETTER FINANCE’s Executive Board and Legal Committee, is regularly attended by numerous senior representatives of institutions and international corporations. The VZMD President, Mr. Kristjan Verbič, will participate for the tenth time (glimpses from 2016, 2018 & 2022).

The VZMD President, Mr. Kristjan Verbič, is concluding a dynamic three-week international tour with active participation in a two-day session of the Financial Services User Group (FSUG) at the European Commission in Brussels. Today marks the second day of the FSUG meeting, during which several high-profile discussions & presentations were held.

The constitutive meeting of the Consultative Group of the Investor Protection Standing Committee (IPSC) was held yesterday at the headquarters of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) in Paris. Prior to the session, IPSC members gathered for a joint lunch. The Consultative Group has been established to define and implement ESMA’s strategic objectives, particularly concerning retail/individual investors, as well as to ensure horizontal alignment and coordination of all ESMA activities related to investor protection across various fields. Among its responsibilities are addressing all key aspects of the distribution of financial products by intermediaries to investors, including costs charged to investors, as well as coordinating financial literacy efforts and policies related to financial innovations, regulations, and similar areas.

Last week, another Slovenian delegation visited China, this time focusing on winemaking and agriculture, accompanying the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry & Food of the Republic of Slovenia, Ms. Mateja Čalušič (pictured). The diverse program featured the participation of 17 Slovenian companies from the food, wine, agricultural machinery, and natural cosmetics sectors across various segments of the visit. On Tuesday, the Minister, alongside Ambassador H.E. Mr. Boštjan Malovrh (pictured), inaugurated the Slovenian exhibition space at the prestigious “ProWine Shanghai International Wine & Spirits Fair”. The event showcased 3,000 exhibitors from 50 countries, including notable Slovenian winemakers – among them Edi Simčič, Klet Brda, Klet Krško, Marjan Simčič (pictured), Steyer, Ščurek, Vina Blažič, and others – who garnered significant attention and enthusiasm from visitors amidst strong international competition. This delegation also visited HUAWEI to review their technological solutions in the agricultural sector, followed by an evening reception featuring Slovenian sommeliers and the renowned chef, Mr. Jože Oseli (pictured), who presented his new book collection “I Realized My Dreams”.

The official program of the Slovenian government-business delegation, which accompanied Slovenia’s Minister Mr. Matjaž Han on his official visit to China, concluded last Thursday in Shanghai with visits to technological powerhouses HUAWEI and the car manufacturer NIO. On Wednesday, the delegation attended the Europe China CEO Summit, organized by the largest Chinese bank, the Industrial & Commercial Bank of China (ICBC). Keynote speakers included the President of ICBC, Mr. Liao Lin, Deputy Minister for Trade and Economic Cooperation of China, Mr. Ling Ji, prominent Swedish banker and industrialist Mr. Jacob Wallenberg, among others. This was followed by the China-Slovenia Connectivity Forum and bilateral meetings with ICBC representatives. The day’s events continued with the “Dialogue on China-CEEC Digital Economic and Trade Cooperation", where representatives from institutions and companies across China and Central & Eastern Europe shared practical cooperation insights. The day wrapped up with B2B meetings, a visit to the National Innovation Center (NICE), and a joint dinner.