Governor Ismaili discussant at the IMF Forum on Regional Economic Outlook for Europe (REO)

At the invitation of the Director of the European Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Mr. Alfred Kammer, the Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK), Mr. Ahmet Ismaili, participated as an official speaker at the IMF’s closed forum on the Regional Economic Outlook for Europe, attended by Governors and Ministers of Finance from 22 European countries.

The forum discussed the IMF’s latest Regional Economic Outlook report for Europe, focusing on the challenges and policy recommendations that enable sustainable economic growth, macro-financial stability, and fiscal resilience.

The IMF’s Director for Europe, Mr. Kammer, presented the main developments, reforms, and challenges facing the European economy, with particular emphasis on Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe (CESEE).

In his official address, Governor Ismaili shared his assessments of the report’s findings and recommendations, focusing on macroeconomic developments, financial stability, and prospects for sustainable growth in Europe, with particular emphasis on the Western Balkans region. While acknowledging the progress made in the Western Balkans, he highlighted the achievements and reforms of the Republic of Kosovo in the financial sector and beyond, where institutional commitment and the support of IMF programs and international partners have played a key role.

Furthermore, he emphasized the successful coordination between fiscal and macroprudential policies in Kosovo, which have enabled sustainable growth, financial stability, and fiscal consolidation, elements also reflected in the country’s first-ever sovereign credit rating, alongside the positive assessments from IMF missions.

Regarding the IMF report’s projections, the Governor Ismaili noted that although the IMF projects Kosovo to have the highest economic growth rate in the Western Balkans, uncertainties and risks remain present and require continued attention in addressing structural challenges.

He also commended the European Union’s supportive approach toward the Western Balkans through mechanisms such as the Growth Plan, participation in the SEPA process, and infrastructure investments in payment systems, all of which contribute to regional convergence and the European integration of financial markets.

Concluding his remarks, Governor Ismaili underlined that coordination and a proactive approach to challenges are essential for the successful implementation of recommended policies that support structural reforms, regional economic integration, and effective coordination of fiscal, monetary, and macroprudential policies in pursuit of stability and sustainable growth across the region.

In this IMF session, alongside Governor Ismaili representing the Republic of Kosovo, official speakers included the Governor of the National Bank of Bulgaria, Mr. Dimitar Radev, and the Minister of Finance of Estonia, Mr. Jürgen Ligi.

The CBK remains committed to contributing constructively to such international forums, advancing the representation and cooperation of the Republic of Kosovo in the global financial arena, while expressing its gratitude to the IMF for the opportunity to present the country’s achievements in these prestigious platforms.