"While some states have introduced some unorthodox economic measures, and in other states to adopt measures to stimulate the economy requires more time, we remain loyal to this region further. With the 17 million retail and corporate customers, Erste Group, is present in those states that have, in our opinion, the greatest growth opportunities which are already members of the European Union or likely to become members in future "said Treichl.



Erste Group official assurances that the banking group but will continue to fund area.



"We have an important role in economic and social development of these countries. For this reason, we consider it our responsibility to offer our customers the retail and corporate, and states that have capital and liquidity, especially in this difficult period economically. To this end, we will divert financial resources from international operations and other secondary business lines, "said Andreas Treichl.





Erste said while adjustment costs in Hungary, a country which has taken action that affected banks but helped, at least temporarily, indebted population. Thus, Erste will reduce neighboring network with 43 units and will lay off 400-450 people.





Erste Group is one of the leading financial providers in Central and Eastern Europe. More than 50,000 employees serving more than 17.4 million clients in 3,200 branches in eight countries (Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia and Ukraine).