National Bank of Serbia participates in International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group Spring Meeting talks on Europe’s economic outlook

The National Bank of Serbia reported that Serbia’s delegation took part in a Spring Meeting session of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group on Europe’s economic outlook, focused on Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Discussions centred on how the changing global environment is affecting the region and what policy mixes could reduce uncertainty, support growth and keep inflation anchored within target ranges. Participants highlighted near-term risks from a sharp rise in energy prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and rapid shifts in trade policies, alongside debates on industrial policy and rising defence spending against a backdrop of already high deficits and debt. The session also examined macroeconomic policy options in the context of still-strong wage growth and commodity price volatility, fiscal policy considerations and priorities for deepening the European Union single market. The update also noted a March presentation at the National Bank of Serbia by IMF euro area mission head Malhar Nabar, who pointed to productivity growth, single-market deepening, reduced regulatory burdens, artificial intelligence and higher research and development investment as key drivers of future competitiveness, while Serbian representatives underscored the role of the Serbia 2030–2035 strategy in shaping new sources of growth. The IMF holds these outlook meetings twice a year, during the Spring Meeting and the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings.