Kosovo Central Bank Governor ( Ahmet Ismaili, has held a meeting with Kosovo President Justina Shiroka-Pula, where they have discussed developments in the financial sector, institutional reforms and Kosovo’s integration processes in European financial systems.
At this meeting, the first after assuming office by President Shiroka-Pula, Ismaili was accompanied by BEC Deputy Governor Nesrin Shileku-Shala.
According to the CEC’s announcement, Governor Ismaili congratulated the president on the post and briefed him on the financial sector situation, highlighting indicators proving the sustainability of the banking sector in Kosovo.
He stressed the importance of maintaining financial stability for strengthening citizens’ trust in financial institutions and ensuring the continuation of economic financing.
One of the main topics of the meeting was the process of Kosovo’s application for inclusion in the Euro Euro Self Paying Zone ( SEPA).
After submitting the application, Ismaili stressed the importance of institutional support and diplomatic engagement with European partners for advancing this process.
SEPA membership is expected to enable cross-border transfers to the euro at lower costs and easier procedures, benefiting citizens who send and accept money from abroad, as well as businesses that pay to partners on the European market.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of Kosovo’s involvement in the Green Carton international motor security system, as well as co-operation with central partner banks and international financial institutions.
Among other topics were legislative agendas and BEC reforms, strengthening financial supervision and further approach to European Union standards.
Attention was also given to modernisation of payment systems, including the fast payment system T IP The S-K, which aims to enable citizens and businesses to conduct and accept payments within seconds and at lower costs.
Similarly, the governor and deputy governor informed the president of initiatives aimed at expanding access to finance, especially on creating greater funding opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
President Shiroka-Pula, according to the CEC, praised the commitment and reform agenda of this institution, stressing the importance of co-operation between institutions, in respect of the Central Bank’s constitutional mandates and independence.
On the other hand, Ismaili stressed that interilateral co-operation is important for advancing initiatives that have direct interest in Kosovo citizens and businesses.