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 in the IMF's closed forum on the Regional Economic Outlook for Europe, where Governors and Ministers of Finance from 22 European countries were present.
This forum discussed the latest IMF Regional Economic Outlook Report for Europe, focusing on the challenges and policy recommendations that enable sustainable economic growth, macrofinancial stability, and fiscal sustainability.
The IMF's Director for Europe, Mr. Kammer, presented the main developments, reforms and challenges facing the European economy, with particular emphasis on the countries of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe (CESEE).
In his official speech, 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 a particular emphasis on the Western Balkans region. While appreciating progress in the Western Balkans, he outlined the achievements and reforms of the Republic of Kosovo in the financial sector and beyond, where institutional commitment and support from IMF and international partner programs 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 that were also reflected in the country's first sovereign credit rating, in addition to the assessments of IMF missions.
Regarding the IMF Report projections, Governor Ismaili emphasized that, although IMF projections position Kosovo with the highest economic growth rate in the Western Balkans, uncertainties and risks remain present and require continued vigilance in addressing structural challenges.
He also appreciated the European Union's supportive approach to the Western Balkans, through mechanisms such as the Growth Plan, inclusion in the SEPA process, as well as infrastructure investments in the payment system, which contribute to regional convergence and European integration of financial markets.
Concluding the discussion, Governor Ismaili emphasized that coordination and a proactive approach to challenges are essential for the successful implementation of the recommended policies, which support structural reforms, regional economic integration, and effective coordination of fiscal, monetary, and macroprudential policies in the interest of stability and sustainable growth across the region.
At this IMF session, in addition to Governor Ismaili who represented the Republic of Kosovo, official speakers were also 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 providing constructive contributions to such international forums, advancing the representation and cooperation of the Republic of Kosovo in the global financial arena, while expressing gratitude to the IMF for the opportunity to present the country's achievements in these prestigious forums.
