Governor Ismaili participated in high-level meetings in Brussels, met with General Directors of EPC, DG NEAR and governors of Western Balkan countries

The Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK), Mr. Ahmet Ismaili participated in high-level meetings in Brussels, where he met with the Director General of the European Payments Council (EPC), Mr. Andreoli, and with the Director General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Mr. Koopman (DG NEAR), along with the governors of Western Balkan countries.

In these meetings, they discussed the growth plan’s positive effects in expanding the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), in which Kosovo also aims to become a member as part of this process. Additionally, the discussion focused on other operational aspects related to the proper preparations for its implementation.

During the presentation of the latest developments and activities undertaken by the Central Bank of Kosovo (CBK) in drafting legislation and harmonizing it with the European Union, a prerequisite for a successful application, the Governor informed that the CBK had made the necessary preparations. On this occasion, he also informed the parties about Kosovo’s pre-application process, which will allow a preliminary review of the key aspects of meeting legal and regulatory criteria, paving the way for the formal application for SEPA membership.

Kosovo’s inclusion in SEPA is expected to expand economic cooperation with countries in the region and the EU, increase payment efficiency and advance payment infrastructure, and reduce the costs of payments and remittances.

In line with its strategic objectives, the CBK is committed to successfully completing this process. We express our gratitude to our institutions for their contribution and to our international partners for their support.