Bundesbank and EU launch Western Balkans central bank support
The Deutsche Bundesbank and the European Commission, alongside 19 national central banks and the ECB, have launched Phase III of an EU-funded programme. This initiative aims to strengthen central bank capacities in the Western Balkans for integration into the European System of Central Banks.
Capacity building for future EU integration
The EU-funded "Programme for Strengthening the Central Bank Capacities in the Western Balkans" has entered its third phase, spearheaded by the Deutsche Bundesbank as project leader.
The initiative, supported by the European Commission and 19 national central banks of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) plus the European Central Bank (ECB), is designed to enhance the institutional capacities of beneficiary institutions.
Key objectives include improving analytical and policy tools and integrating international and European standards into national practices.
A total of €3 million has been allocated by the European Union from its Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III).
The programme benefits the central banks and banking agencies of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina (including its two entities), Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
The kick-off event was hosted at Banca d'Italia, with Deputy Governor Chiara Scotti and Giulio Venneri from the European Commission in attendance.
The Bundesbank emphasized the programme's role in preparing Western Balkan central banks for ESCB integration, highlighting the importance of sustainable results and relationship building.
Training on digital, cyber, and financial integrity
Over the next 36 months, the Bundesbank, in collaboration with partner EU central banks and the ECB, will deliver an intensive regional training programme.
This comprehensive training will cover critical central banking and supervisory issues, focusing on new developments in anti-money laundering and combating terrorism financing, cyber risks, data science and management, digital transformation, innovation, and artificial intelligence within central banks.
High-level meetings will also address current topics such as central bank independence and advancements in payment systems.
In addition to these regional training events, the new programme will continue to provide substantial support for the implementation of specific bilateral measures, ensuring tailored assistance to the participating institutions.