Governor Ismaili meets with EBRD representatives to discuss macroeconomic outlook and ongoing cooperation

The Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Ahmet Ismaili, accompanied by his team, held a constructive meeting today with a delegation from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The delegation included Marinela Kalemi, Associate Director and Head of Financial Institutions for Albania and Kosovo; Sergiy Maslichenko, Associate Director and Head of Kosovo; Peter Bielik, Associate Director for Financial Institutions in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe; and Daors Sahatçiu, Banking Analyst at EBRD Kosovo.

The discussions focused on the current macroeconomic outlook for Kosovo, recent developments in the financial sector, ongoing cooperation between the EBRD and the CBK, and the EBRD’s new programs emphasizing ESG initiatives and support for the financial sector.

Governor Ismaili expressed his appreciation to the EBRD team for their ongoing support and highlighted important initiatives, including the EBRD’s Regional MREL study for Kosovo and the upcoming Women in Finance Code project. He stressed the significance of the capacity-building program launching next year, which will help the CBK develop skills in climate risk management and governance. This program will also focus on building knowledge and competence in the context of guidance provided by the NGFS (Network for Greening the Financial System) for creating transition plans aimed at fostering a greener financial system.

Governor Ismaili also acknowledged the EBRD’s significant role in advancing Kosovo’s banking legislation, particularly in areas such as the recovery and resolution framework, corporate governance, and regulation on factoring, among others.

Governor Ismaili emphasized the importance of these partnerships in fostering economic stability and enhancing the resilience of Kosovo’s financial system for the benefit of all citizens. He also elaborated on the CBK’s strategic vision outlined in its five-year plan, which includes upcoming initiatives aimed at improving financial sector resilience, advancing regulation, and promoting greater financial inclusion.

The meeting reinforced the commitment of both parties to strengthen their collaboration and promote sustainable financial growth in Kosovo, ensuring that the financial sector continues to evolve in alignment with international standards.