Governor Ismaili welcomes the new EU Office Ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav – discussions on preparations for SEPA Membership application

The Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK), Mr. Ahmet Ismaili, along with his colleagues, held a meeting with the new Ambassador of the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo, Mr. Aivo Orav. During the meeting, the Governor briefed the Ambassador on key developments in the financial sector, advancements in the legal and regulatory framework, the Strategic Plan, as well as the stability and integrity of the country’s financial system.

At the beginning of the meeting, Governor Ismaili congratulated Ambassador Orav on his appointment as head of the EU Office, expressing gratitude for the EU’s continuous support towards Kosovo’s financial system and economy through numerous financial assistance programs, including those provided by European Union institutions.

During the meeting, Governor Ismaili informed the ambassador about the actions taken by the CBK in preparation for the anticipated application for membership in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), including the drafting of the necessary legal framework in line with EU standards.

The governor emphasized that the CBK’s commitment and inter-institutional coordination for integration into SEPA are crucial for improving payment infrastructure and aligning with international standards. He added that this is a critical step in the financial integration process, yielding concrete results that reflect the shared values between the European Union and the Republic of Kosovo.

Governor Ismaili also expressed the CBK’s gratitude for the EU institutions, which continue to support the CBK’s efforts to strengthen the integrity of the financial system. This includes support that has led to the advancement of legislation for preventing money laundering and terrorist financing, combating the counterfeiting of currency, and the potential establishment of the National Center for Combating Currency Counterfeiting as a long-term approach to this challenge. These measures, among others, have contributed to protecting the integrity of the euro, which remains a priority for the CBK.

Ambassador Orav stated that the EU remains committed to supporting Kosovo and the CBK in meeting the legal and technical requirements for membership in SEPA and the European Payment Systems, advancing the legal framework in compliance with EU standards, as well as integrating Kosovo into relevant European mechanisms.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in promoting access to finance, financial integration, stability, and the financial sustainability of Kosovo.