Governor Ismaili meets World Bank Vice President, Ms. Antonella Bassani

The Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK), Mr. Ahmet Ismaili, accompanied by Non-Executive Board Member Ms. Arta Hoxha, Deputy Governor Ms. Nesrin Shileku-Shala, and colleagues, held a meeting with the Vice President of the World Bank for Europe and Central Asia, Ms. Antonella Bassani, on the margins of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank 2025 Spring Meetings in Washington D.C.

During the meeting, Governor Ismaili briefed Ms. Bassani on key developments in Kosovo’s financial sector, the reforms undertaken within the framework of the CBK’s Strategic Plan, and ongoing projects supported by the World Bank Group.

He highlighted the progress made by the CBK in the pre-application process to the European Commission for membership in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), emphasizing the World Bank’s crucial support in achieving this strategic goal, which carries significant positive implications for Kosovo’s economy.

The latest joint project for the financial sector was also discussed, which includes the development of a fast payments system in cooperation with the Bank of Italy, capitalization of the Deposit Insurance Fund, and increased contributions to the Credit Guarantee Fund. Both parties assessed the project as an important step toward advancing financial stability, improving access to finance, and enhancing financial inclusion.

The meeting also covered other areas of cooperation between the CBK and the World Bank Group, including initiatives for financial sector development and capacity building within the CBK.

Earlier, Governor Ismaili participated in the World Bank Constituency Meeting, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Belgium, Mr. Jan Jambon. Mr. Jambon praised Kosovo’s progress, noting that, in addition to its borrower status, it has now also become a contributor to the International Development Association (IDA). Governor Ismaili presented his views on the continued development of projects and common priorities, expressing Kosovo’s commitment to partnership and collaboration in achieving shared objectives.