Governor Ismaili meets with the new Head of Cooperation of the European Union Office in Kosovo to discuss key reforms, EU alignment, and institutional cooperation

The Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosova (CBK), Mr. Ahmet Ismaili, held a constructive meeting with Mr. Hubert Perr, newly appointed as Head of Cooperation at the European Union Office in Kosovo, accompanied by his team.

Governor Ismaili expressed his sincere appreciation to Mr. Perr and the European Union Office for their continued support and excellent cooperation. He also conveyed his gratitude for the strong partnership that the CBK maintains with the European Central Bank (ECB) and various European Commission Directorates-General, emphasizing that cooperation with EU institutions plays a crucial role in advancing the CBK’s reform agenda and supporting the development of Kosovo’s financial sector.

During the meeting, Governor Ismaili presented a comprehensive overview of the CBK’s ongoing activities and reforms aimed at further aligning Kosovo’s financial framework with European Union legislation and best practices. He informed Mr. Perr of the progress made toward Kosovo’s integration into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), despite recent legal challenges, highlighting that this initiative will significantly enhance the efficiency of Kosovo’s payment systems and ensure full compatibility with EU standards. He also outlined the CBK’s intensified efforts in legislative advancement, supervisory reforms, the strengthening of financial and monetary sovereignty, and the fight against counterfeit euro currency.

Governor Ismaili underscored the CBK’s strong interest and active role within the EU Growth Plan, noting that the institution continues to contribute to key financial-sector components that support Kosovo’s broader economic development, subject to parliamentary approval.

In addition, he provided updates on legislative developments, including new Law on Banks, and the need to re-process the Law on Payment Services, and the adoption of the updated Law on Anti-Money Laundering (AML). These initiatives are designed to further align Kosovo’s regulatory framework with EU directives and supervisory expectations. The discussion also addressed the CBK’s ongoing work on the regulation and monitoring of crypto assets, reflecting the importance of keeping pace with evolving European approaches in this rapidly developing area.

The meeting highlighted opportunities for enhanced cooperation through the TAIEX program, particularly in strengthening technical expertise, supervisory capacity, and regulatory harmonization.

Governor Ismaili and Mr. Perr also discussed the CBK’s close cooperation with the European Commission and its services, and the European Central Bank (ECB), noting that these partnerships are essential for reinforcing financial stability, effective supervision, and regulatory alignment. In this context, Governor Ismaili and Mr. Perr highlighted the significant achievement made during the past year on fight against the counterfeit of Euro, within the framework of the TAIEX project, in preparing the legal and institutional basis.

Furthermore, Governor Ismaili briefed Mr. Perr on the CBK’s activities related to the Green Card System, emphasizing its importance in supporting international insurance coverage and cross-border mobility. He stressed the need to find a sustainable solution in this area, given its direct contribution to economic development, financial integration, and regional cooperation.

Mr. Perr welcomed the progress presented and reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting Kosovo’s institutional reforms through continued cooperation, technical assistance, and alignment with European standards, recognizing the CBK as a highly engaged and valued partner.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and advancing Kosovo’s path toward regulatory, supervisory, and operational alignment with the European Union.