High-Level Conference Marking 25 Years of the CBCG Opens in Tivat: Montenegro Brings Together Leading Figures from European and International Central Banking
04/09/2026
A high-level international conference titled “Central Banking in a High-Risk Environment: Stability, Infrastructure and Trust” is being held in Tivat today to mark the 25th anniversary of the Central Bank of Montenegro.
The conference has brought together governors of central banks from the euro area, the European Union and the region, as well as senior representatives of the European Systemic Risk Board, the European Anti-Money Laundering Authority, the Deutsche Bundesbank, the Bank of England, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other European and international institutions. The gathering is also attended by representatives of Montenegro’s public institutions, the diplomatic corps, the banking sector and academia, as well as other esteemed guests from Montenegro.
The ceremonial opening featured addresses by the CBCG Governor, Dr Irena Radović, and the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, while Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, addressed participants by video message.
The presence of numerous governors, heads and senior representatives of leading financial institutions represents strong recognition of Montenegro and of the standing the CBCG has built within the international central banking and financial community.
Opening the conference, Governor Radović said that the CBCG was marking a quarter of a century of work at a particularly important moment, as Montenegro enters the final stage of its European path and the CBCG undergoes the most intensive transformation since its establishment.
“So, as we celebrate 25 years of the Central Bank of Montenegro, we stand between two chapters. Our first 25 years were about building the institution capable of protecting monetary and financial stability and earning trust. The next are about bringing that institution into European central banking system, ready not only to join but to contribute. And to conclude, all of this ultimately comes back to people,” Governor Radović said.
Governor Radović also highlighted the major reform achievements of the CBCG and the banking sector, including Montenegro’s entry into the SEPA area and the introduction of instant payments through the TIPS Clone project. As she emphasised, these reforms are delivering tangible benefits to citizens and businesses through faster and more affordable payments, while further integrating Montenegro into the European financial area.
President Milatović described the Central Bank of Montenegro as one of the key pillars of the country’s financial stability, institutional credibility and European transformation.
He noted that Montenegro is at a decisive stage of its European path and that strong, independent and credible institutions are a prerequisite for the country’s European future.
“There can be no European Montenegro without strong institutions. There can be no stability without independent, professional and credible institutions. And without stability, there can be no sustainable economic development, new investment, higher living standards or a more secure future for our citizens”, said President Milatovič adding that Montenegro is capable of applying European standards, meeting demanding obligations and delivering tangible results.
Participants were also addressed by video message by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, who congratulated the Central Bank of Montenegro on its 25th anniversary.
Georgieva underlined the importance of strong institutions at a time of heightened global uncertainty, stressing that stability is built on a foundation of sound policies and institutions people trust. “That trust is the most valuable currency a central bank can hold,” Georgieva said.
Speaking about Montenegro’s European path, Georgieva noted that EU accession offers a historic opportunity to strengthen institutions and boost incomes. “Under the right conditions, GDP per capita (2:08) could rise by as much as 30-35% over a decade”, said Georgieva. She highlighted that the Central Bank of Montenegro has a vital role to play in this process through sound regulation and credible supervision of credit institutions, modern payment systems and continued alignment with European best practises.
The conference continues with working panels bringing together central bank governors, representatives of European and international financial institutions, and leading experts to discuss issues that will shape the future of central banking and modern finance – from stability and global fragmentation to financial integrity, technological transformation and the future role of the euro in a rapidly changing world.