The Managing Director at the IMF, Jeroen Cijk, leading the Belgium-Netherlands constituency, visited the Central Bank of Montenegro (CBCG) today.
He met with Governor Irena Radović, who briefed him on recent achievements, upcoming priorities, and key challenges facing the CBCG. Radović emphasized the bank’s commitment to reforms and integration into the European financial system.
She highlighted that strengthening financial stability, modernizing CBCG along the lines of Eurosystem central banks, and the upcoming implementation of SEPA transactions demonstrate Montenegro’s progress toward European integration. The CBCG has also adopted its first Strategic Plan for 2025–2028, focusing on financial stability, SEPA integration, digital transformation, and human resource development. Additional priorities include implementing the TIPS clone project with the Bank of Italy under the ECB, enhancing financial sector integrity, and promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
Cijk praised CBCG’s reform path and commitment to European integration, noting that the bank significantly contributes to Montenegro’s EU accession efforts. He stated that the IMF will continue supporting the CBCG’s reform agenda.
Both parties agreed that the ongoing collaboration between CBCG and the IMF, including technical assistance projects such as the Transparency Code Review, Central Bank Independence Index, stress testing of balance sheets, and innovation in CBCG’s communication strategy, is strategically important for strengthening the resilience of Montenegro’s economy. They also agreed to further intensify dialogue and cooperation on joint projects, including during the upcoming IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington this October.
