SEE Link, which will become fully operational at the end of March, aims at integrating regional equity markets to provide more efficient access for investors and local brokers.

Stock market operators in the network will remain independent, the LJSE operator Ljubljanska borza said in a press release on Monday, adding that the expansion of the network with the Ljubljana and Belgrade stock exchanges was a proof of its success.

"We are very happy that the Ljubljana and Belgrade stock exchanges will join the project, which will definitely contribute to the attractiveness of the platform, the first in Europe that connects markets and investors in an innovative way," said Ivana Gažić, chairman of the Zagreb Stock Exchange.

The project is supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), whose priorities in the Western Balkans include strengthening of local capital markets and encouraging the use of local currencies in a bid to reduce dependence on external financing sources.

LJSE is in the process of being acquired by the Zagreb Stock Exchange from the CEE Stock Exchange Group.