Central Bank of Estonia joins Finance Ministry delegation at IMF and World Bank annual meetings focused on fiscal buffers, financial stability and Ukraine funding

The Central Bank of Estonia and Estonia’s Ministry of Finance are participating in the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings in Washington on 15–18 October, with discussions centred on challenges facing the global economy and financial system and on maintaining funding for Ukraine. The agenda reflects recent shocks that have constrained global growth, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, heightened geopolitical tensions and trade-policy developments that have restricted flows of goods and services. The IMF focus includes strengthening fiscal buffers, maintaining price stability and reducing financial-sector risks, with particular attention to rising debt vulnerabilities, especially in poorer countries, and the role of the IMF’s economic policy programme for Ukraine. World Bank discussions include a review of reforms intended to make the group faster, simpler and more effective while increasing its financial capacity and preserving its AAA credit rating, alongside priorities such as job creation, connectivity infrastructure and advice on innovation and artificial intelligence; the International Development Association has also begun fund-raising for its 21st replenishment, described as a record USD 100 billion. Estonia’s delegation includes Minister of Finance Jürgen Ligi, Governor of Eesti Pank Madis Müller and Deputy Governor Ülo Kaasik, with meetings planned with senior IMF and World Bank officials, Ukraine and other finance ministries, the Federal Reserve, and public and private sector representatives, and with Estonia invited to present at seminars and discussions held alongside the meetings.