At the same time, we plan activities that should increase the awareness of the population about possible risks in the banking services domain as a very important aspect for the bank clients. We especially welcome the initiative for organizing the European Money Quiz for the youth of our country, which will be organized for the first time this year, hoping that it will become a traditional one. This way, we believe we will encourage greater commitment among young people on financial issues, and consequently, it will contribute to raise the level of their financial literacy. In 1/2  BIS central bankers' speeches  this context, I would like to emphasize that the National Bank supports the process of preparing students by supplying them with various educational materials, by holding today’s training for the teaching staff, and later by organizing special preparatory activities for the national winners. It is of great importance that the European Money Quiz, an initiative of the European Banking Federation, unites us all, the financial regulators and the banks, MES and the educational institutions in the country, in order to attain a very important goal, that is improvement of the skills of the youngest in the area of finance, which contributes to improving their knowledge and ability to face future working and life challenges. At the end, it certainly contributes towards having educated and capable youth, with wide knowledge in the contemporary era, ready to grow into a capable work force, a driver of the economy in the coming years.
What is particularly pleasing to me about the preparations of the European Money Quiz is its massiveness. It is noteworthy that the number of registered classes is much higher than expected. It is assessed that about 3,000 students aged 13–15 years will participate in the internal testing phase. Such an approach envisaging testing of entire classes, enables all these students to become familiar with the issues of financial education, with aspects related to the operations of the central bank, commercial banks, securities markets. It is a significant benefit, which is probably, the goal of the initiator – the more massive scope, the wider education. Of course, some will be more successful and continue in the next stages of the competition, however it is a great benefit that all participants will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge in finance and economy, which is our common goal. In the end, let me once again express the readiness of the National Bank to actively support the overall process of preparation, both for the national and international competition in Brussels. I wish you the mentors, a successful work with the students, best luck to all, and of course, let the best students win! Thank you! 2/2  BIS central bankers' speeches