The Central Bank of Montenegro hosted IMF Executive Director for the Belgian-Dutch Constituency Jeroen Clicq and set out its reform priorities aimed at closer integration with the European financial system, including the near-term implementation of its first Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) transactions. The parties assessed their cooperation as strategic and agreed to deepen dialogue and collaboration on joint projects. Governor Irena Radovic pointed to the Central Bank’s first Strategic Plan for 2025–2028, focused on strengthening financial stability, SEPA integration, digital transformation and human resource development, alongside modernisation in line with Eurosystem central banks. Priorities highlighted included the TIPS clone project with the Bank of Italy (Banca d’Italia) under the auspices of the European Central Bank, steps to strengthen financial sector integrity, and measures supporting sustainable and inclusive growth. Existing IMF technical assistance workstreams include the Transparency Code Review, the Central Bank Independence Index, balance sheet resilience testing and an ongoing project to innovate the Central Bank’s communication strategy. Further discussion of joint projects is planned for the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington in October 2025.
Central Bank of Montenegro 2025-09-08
Central Bank of Montenegro and IMF agree to intensify cooperation as the bank advances SEPA integration and Eurosystem-aligned reforms
The Central Bank of Montenegro hosted IMF Executive Director Jeroen Clicq to discuss reform priorities for European financial integration, including SEPA transactions. The parties agreed to deepen cooperation on projects such as the TIPS clone with the Bank of Italy and initiatives for financial stability and digital transformation. Further discussions are scheduled for the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in October 2025.