The Central Bank of Montenegro published an account of Governor Irena Radovic’s meeting with International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, reaffirming cooperation and focusing on support for Montenegro’s reform agenda and alignment with Eurosystem standards, including implementation of European payment schemes such as the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). The discussions covered IMF backing for strengthening the Central Bank of Montenegro’s institutional and operational capacity and the IMF’s role in supporting central bank independence amid geopolitical and geoeconomic fragmentation. Particular attention was given to the IMF’s planned South East Europe Technical Assistance Center (SEETAC) for the Western Balkans and Moldova, with Radovic highlighting the need for Central Bank of Montenegro engagement in SEETAC’s design, implementation and coordination. The meeting also referenced a forthcoming Central Bank of Montenegro needs assessment for alignment with European System of Central Banks and Eurosystem standards, alongside discussions on improved coordination among the IMF, the World Bank and the European Union, which is also expected to provide technical assistance.
Central Bank of Montenegro 2025-05-30
Central Bank of Montenegro discusses IMF cooperation, SEPA alignment and the planned SEETAC regional technical assistance centre
The Central Bank of Montenegro detailed Governor Irena Radovic’s meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, focusing on cooperation for Montenegro’s reform agenda and Eurosystem standards, including SEPA. Discussions covered IMF support for strengthening the Central Bank’s capacity and independence amid geopolitical fragmentation, involvement in the planned South East Europe Technical Assistance Center (SEETAC), and a forthcoming needs assessment for alignment with European System of Central Banks standards, alongside improved coordination with the IMF, World Bank, and EU.