The National Bank is part of the third phase of the EU’s Programme for Strengthening the Central Bank Capacities in the Western Balkans

The National Bank participates in the third phase of the EU-funded “Programme for Strengthening the Central Bank Capacities in the Western Balkans”, which aims to support the preparation of the central banks and the supervisory institutions of the region for the integration to the European System of Central Banks.

The programme is jointly implemented by the Deutsche Bundesbank, 19 national central banks from the European System of Central Banks and the European Central Bank, with the financial support from the European Commission. To carry out its activities, the European Union has provided funds in the amount of Euro 3 million through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III).

In addition to the National Bank, the central banks and the supervisory bodies from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia, are also programme beneficiaries.

The aim of the programme is to further strengthen the institutional capacities of the final beneficiary institutions, notably by enhancing their analytical and policy tools and by translating the best international and European standards into national practices. The programme places an emphasis on achieving sustainable results and deepening the cooperation between the central banks within the European System of Central Banks.

Over the next 36 months, an intensive regional training programme aimed at key central banking and bank supervision issues will be implemented. The thematic focus will be on the latest development trends, including anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism, cyber risk management, data analysis and management, digital transformation, innovations and use of artificial intelligence in central banking. There will also be high-level meetings on the current topics in focus such as central bank independence as well as new developments in payment systems.

The kick-off event of the new programme was held today at Banca d’Italia with Deputy Governor Chiara Scotti in attendance. The European Commission was represented by Giulio Venneri, Deputy Head of Unit for Enlargement Strategy & Coordination within the Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood. The Bundesbank, in its role as project leader, underlined the fact that the programme supports the preparation of the Western Balkans central banks for their integration into the European System of Central Banks, highlighting the importance of achieving sustainable results and building strong institutional partnerships.

With the participation in this programme, the National Bank continues with the activities aimed at harmonization with the European standards and practices, as well as at further strengthening of the institutional capacities in the European integration process.