Why Kontakt

To establish contact where contact ought to be established


New borders in people's heads and in the region
The Central and Eastern European region is on the move: not just with respect to its economies but also socially and culturally. Since the old system borders have been removed, countless new borders have emerged - in people's heads as well as borders marked by languages, ethnicity and religions, by new nations and new minorities. Compared to other European areas, this region boasts the most languages spoken in a geographical area of this size - in the countries of Erste Bank Group alone, about twelve different languages are spoken. 

Social and cultural transformation
The Central and Eastern European area will continue to undergo major changes. Transformation processes are currently underway on all levels of private and public life. The middle class is still in its preliminary stage, structures of civil society are only now emerging, and the funds, structures and audience that would allow an independent production in art and culture are missing. 

At the same time, national welfare systems are subject to enormous pressure; and it has yet to be proven how and if social integration is possible in these difficult conditions. To take responsibility in this context means to promote integration and bring people closer to each other - which is exactly in line with the Erste Bank slogan "Every relationship is about people."

A new spin on an "old" idea
Against this background, the almost 200-year-old founding principle of the savings banks - and hence also of Erste Bank - as institutions aimed at the common welfare gains new prominence. The principle of savings banks is to provide a secure future for individuals and society and, as a company, to create not only material but also social and cultural values. Kontakt further develops this founding principle of the savings banks for Austria and Central and Eastern Europe into the 21st century.