The Central Bank of Montenegro concluded a high-level conference marking its 25th anniversary, focused on how central banks can safeguard financial stability and public trust as geopolitical uncertainty, technological change and interconnected systemic risks intensify. Participants included central bank governors, policymakers and senior representatives from European and international financial institutions. Discussions addressed cross-border shock transmission and financial fragmentation, institutional preparedness for European integration, financial innovation and integrity, the technological transformation of finance and the euro’s future international role. In closing remarks, Central Bank of Montenegro Deputy Governor Zorica Kalezić called for resilience to be built before shocks occur, integration to become operational rather than merely legal, innovation to reinforce financial integrity and central bank independence to remain the foundation of trust.