02/02/2024

The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo, in the course of the meeting of the National Payment Council, organized a workshop on 1 and 2 February, which is focused on the main topics concerning the payment system, directives of the European Union, practices of other countries and their reflection in the draft of the Law on Payment System, which is expected to be proceeded by the CBK next month.

This workshop is supported by the World Bank (WB) project “Payment Systems Modernization in the Western Balkans,” funded by the European Union and coordinated by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).

Representatives of the CBK, bank and non-bank financial institutions, WB experts composed of Holti Banka, Oya Pinar Ardic Alper, Bernardo Leal Correia Antunes Barradas, Peter Christian Moeller Jensen, Edlira Dashi and Blerta Qerimi, Federal Ministry of Finances of Germany, Mrs. Lejla Maxhuni, as well as representatives of central and commercial banks of EU, including Mrs. Silvia Di Lillo, representatives of the European Payment Council (EPC), participated in this meeting.

Governor Ahmet Ismaili opened the meeting with a welcome speech, extending gratitude to the World Bank leadership and team and all those present, adding that this reform will yield a positive impact on the economy of the country, the life of the citizens, free movement of capital, and enable the SEPA membership.

The Director of the WB for Kosovo, Massimiliano Paolucci, delivered also a welcome speech, mentioning the main benefits of the payment system modernization for Kosovo, highlighting the full readiness to support the CBK in the journey towards these advancements, for which the WB is pleased to be a partner.

The CBK is committed to the Strategic Plan to reform the payment system by achieving an efficient local fast payment system, which, following the SEPA membership, is ready to connect with the EU payment system, known as TIPS.

The support of development partners in these complex global processes in the aspect of methodologies and infrastructure is essential to achieve the objectives of the CBK, for which the CBK expresses its gratitude and thankfulness.