It was exactly on October 4, 1940, when the then government accepted the proposal of the preparatory committee and issued a regulation with the force of law No. 248/Slovak Code, granting public status to the College of Commerce (the predecessor of the University of Economics in Bratislava), essentially giving consent to the establishment of the College of Commerce in Bratislava.
The commemorative plaque of the College of Commerce
A significant role in the preparation and establishment of the College of Commerce was played by Prof. PhDr. Jur Hronec, who already had extensive experience and contributions to the establishment of technical universities in Slovakia. After lengthy unofficial discussions, prompted by the chambers of commerce and industry in Bratislava, Banská Bystrica, and Prešov, a preparatory committee was established. This committee, based on well-founded arguments, proposed the establishment of a College of Commerce in Bratislava with a four-year program, following the proven examples from abroad.
Regulation with the force of law No. 248/Slovak Code dated October 4, 1940[1]
The establishment of the school is associated with the names of other significant personalities such as Prof. Ing. Július Pázman, Prof. Ing. Vladimír Králiček, DrSc. Prof. Ing. Ladislav Cicvárek, and others. It was thanks to the efforts of these enthusiasts that the foundations of economic education in Slovakia were laid in 1940.
Commemorative plaque on the establishment of the College of Commerce
In the academic year 1940/1941, there were 267 students enrolled, of which 255 were men and 12 were women. The College of Commerce began its activities without its own premises. The pedagogical process was conducted in rented spaces at various locations in Bratislava. With the help of the Bratislava Chamber of Commerce and Industry, it was possible to purchase two buildings for the College of Commerce located in Palisády in a relatively short period of time. The greatest credit for this goes to the General Secretary of the Bratislava Chamber of Commerce and Industry, JUDr. Vojtech Brestenský.
The building of the College of Commerce located on Palisády in Bratislava
This act marked the beginning of the story of the University of Economics in Bratislava. During its existence, it became an important pillar of the Slovak economy, preparing thousands of graduates for successful careers in various sectors.
The faculty members of College of Commerce
The University of Economics in Bratislava changed its name several times during its history. From the Private College of Commerce (1940 – 1945) to the Slovak College of Commerce (1945 – 1949), the College of Economic Sciences (1949 – 1952), and the College of Economics in Bratislava (1952 – 1992) to the University of Economics in Bratislava (1992 – present).
Professor Ferdinand Daňo, the rector of EUBA, stated: "We are proud of what generations of teachers, researchers, other staff, and students have achieved during these 83 years. We continue to develop to be prepared to face the current challenges and needs of the economy and society. Our graduates become leaders and innovators in the field of economics and business, and we are convinced that our role in the Slovak and international economy will continue in the coming decades."
EUBA currently offers a wide range of study programs across its 7 faculties and has educated more than 113,000 graduates who find employment not only in Slovakia but also abroad.
[1] http://librinostri.catholica.cz/download/SlovenZakoni1940-OCR.pdf
