The Central Bank of Montenegro reported that Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB) Governor Robert Holzmann delivered a lecture at the Faculty of Economics, University of Montenegro on “Economic Convergence with the European Union: Aspirations, Conditions, and Experiences,” linking EU accession and convergence to institutional stability and central bank independence. He also noted that, despite Montenegro’s strong economic growth, convergence is incomplete given a still-significant income gap versus the Eurozone. In discussing differences between Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe and the Western Balkans, Holzmann highlighted the substantial benefits associated with EU integration, attributing them primarily to access to the single European market, and encouraged Montenegro to pursue EU membership within the shortest possible timeframe. The lecture was jointly organised by the Central Bank of Montenegro and the Faculty of Economics as part of Holzmann’s first visit to the Central Bank of Montenegro, with participation from the financial sector, diplomatic community, international institutions and students.
Central Bank of Montenegro 2025-04-04
Central Bank of Montenegro hosts Oesterreichische Nationalbank Governor Holzmann lecture on EU convergence and central bank independence
Oesterreichische Nationalbank Governor Robert Holzmann lectured at the University of Montenegro on economic convergence with the EU, emphasizing EU accession, institutional stability, and central bank independence. He noted Montenegro's strong economic growth but highlighted incomplete convergence due to a significant income gap with the Eurozone. Holzmann encouraged Montenegro to pursue EU membership swiftly, citing substantial benefits from EU integration.