The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo reported that Governor Ahmet Ismaili met World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Antonella Bassani during the 2025 IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, DC, to review Kosovo’s financial sector developments, reforms under the central bank’s strategic plan, and ongoing World Bank-supported projects. The discussion highlighted progress in the European Commission pre-application process for accession to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). The authorities also reviewed a new financial sector project covering the development of an instant payments system in cooperation with the Bank of Italy, the capitalisation of the Deposit Insurance Fund, and strengthening contributions to the Credit Guarantee Fund, alongside other areas of cooperation including institutional capacity-building. Separately, the central bank noted the Governor’s participation in a World Bank Constituency meeting chaired by Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Jan Jambon, where Kosovo’s move from borrower-only status to also contributing to International Development Association funds was referenced.
Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo 2025-04-25
Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo briefs World Bank Vice President on SEPA pre-application and financial sector projects
The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo reported on Governor Ahmet Ismaili's meeting with World Bank Vice President Antonella Bassani during the 2025 IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, discussing Kosovo’s financial sector developments and SEPA accession progress. They reviewed a new project for an instant payments system with the Bank of Italy and other initiatives, including capitalising the Deposit Insurance Fund and enhancing the Credit Guarantee Fund. Governor Ismaili also participated in a World Bank Constituency meeting, noting Kosovo's transition to contributing to International Development Association funds.