The Central Bank of Montenegro reported that a visit by National Bank of Austria Governor Martin Kocher focused on closer cooperation between the two central banks and on reforms linked to Montenegro’s European integration and future inclusion in the European System of Central Banks. The talks placed particular emphasis on payment system modernisation, with SEPA integration presented as already producing faster, simpler and cheaper cross-border payments, and the TIPS Clone project identified as the next major step toward 24/7 instant payments. Governor Irena Radovic said the Central Bank of Montenegro is preparing for ESCB integration through regulatory alignment, stronger institutional capacity and payment infrastructure upgrades. The National Bank of Austria said it supports the Central Bank of Montenegro particularly on financial and payment system integration, and both sides agreed to continue cooperation through technical support, exchange of experience and joint activities aimed at strengthening the Montenegrin central bank’s institutional, functional and operational readiness for future membership in the ESCB and the Eurosystem.
Central Bank of Montenegro2026-05-28
Central Bank of Montenegro and National Bank of Austria deepen cooperation on SEPA and TIPS Clone as part of ESCB preparations
The Central Bank of Montenegro and the National Bank of Austria agreed to deepen cooperation on reforms linked to Montenegro’s European integration and future inclusion in the European System of Central Banks, focusing on payment system modernisation. Discussions highlighted SEPA integration benefits and the TIPS Clone project as a key step toward 24/7 instant payments, while the Austrian central bank will continue providing technical support to strengthen the Montenegrin central bank’s readiness for ESCB and Eurosystem membership.