This paper analyses the link between exchange rates and stock markets in four Central and Eastern European countries. We simultaneously explore the comovements of foreign exchange markets and stock markets at the cross-country level and the link between these two markets within each country while employing a Dynamic Conditional Correlation Mixed Data Sampling (DCC-MIDAS) model. Such an approach to financial markets conveys a much more visible picture of the existing patterns of financial integration between these markets that would otherwise be neglected. The estimates reveal significant differences between the patterns of correlation in our sample countries. First, the paper finds a quite low degree of convergence between foreign exchange markets, with rising correlations during some of the crisis episodes. Second, both the 2004 European Union enlargement and the European sovereign debt crisis underpin the stock market comovements in the Central and Eastern European countries. Third, the correlations between the exchange rate returns and stock markets rise mostly during the European sovereign debt crisis and to a lesser extent during the global financial crisis, revealing signs of contagion and lower portfolio diversification opportunities. These results are of utmost relevance for the process of financial integration and they also have important implications for policy makers, risk management, and investors.

This study examines the integration and price behavior of European Union electricity markets using a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). Employing daily wholesale day-ahead electricity prices from 24 EU countries spanning October 2017 to September 2024, the research identifies seven regional clusters of markets based on similarities in price trends. The analysis reveals strong long-term equilibrium relationships and dynamic short-term adjustments, highlighting the interconnectedness of these markets. Central players, such as Germany in Block 1 and France in Block 2, emerge as pivotal in driving regional stability, while markets like Romania and Bulgaria (Block 3) demonstrate significant interconnections. Scandinavian and Baltic regions (Blocks 4 and 5) showcase unique balancing mechanisms influenced by shared infrastructure. Aggregated inter-block dynamics underscore the critical role of central hubs like Blocks 1 and 3 in bridging market disparities. Despite progress, regional heterogeneity persists, with slower adjustments observed in certain clusters. The findings emphasize the need for targeted policies to enhance cross-border electricity trading and infrastructure investments, ensuring equitable integration across all regions. By addressing these disparities, the EU can bolster market efficiency and resilience, contributing to its overarching energy strategy and transition to sustainable energy systems.

The main objective of this research article is to explore hypothesis about the integration of the banking systems in European Union (EU). Increasing the European Union member states degree of convergence and integration is one of the major challenges faced by the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). The empirical analysis is based on the non-linear time-varying coefficients factor model designed by Phillips and Sul for the sample period 2007–2017. Our results indicate the rejection of the convergence hypothesis for EU banking systems. Additionally, our empirical findings reveal that there are significant differences in how European banks assess the non-financial sector and the households sector. During the period 2011–2013, which is a period coinciding with the most severe episodes of the sovereign debt crisis, the dispersion between trajectories increases, involving a segmentation of interest rates, and this leads to the conclusion that the integration of EU banking systems has been negatively influenced by the sovereign debt crisis. The results of the empirical study also suggested that for most clusters, the convergence speed is relative, which does not lead to an absolute integration in the long run.

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