At an international conference marking the Central Bank of Montenegro’s 25th anniversary, Governor Irena Radović described the institution as moving from its initial phase of building monetary and financial stability toward integration into the European central banking system. She highlighted Montenegro’s entry into the Single Euro Payments Area and the introduction of the TIPS Clone instant payment system as reforms that are making payments faster and cheaper while deepening integration with the European financial area. President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović linked the country’s European prospects to strong and independent institutions. International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said EU accession could, under the right conditions, increase Montenegro’s gross domestic product per capita by 30% to 35% over a decade, with the central bank supporting that process through sound regulation, credible supervision, modern payment systems and continued alignment with European practices.