meta_id 3008266

On March 13, 2026, the Bank of Albania announced its participation in Phase III of the "Programme for Strengthening the Central Bank Capacities in the Western Balkans", an European Union-funded initiative designed to support regional central banks and supervisory authorities in their integration into the European System of Central Banks (ESCB). The programme is implemented by Deutsche Bundesbank, 19 national central banks of the ESCB, and the European Central Bank (ECB). The European Union (EU) has allocated €3 million to the programme through its Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III). The Bank of Albania will participate alongside central banks and supervisory authorities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The initiative aims to strengthen institutional capacities by enhancing analytical and policy tools and translating best international and European standards into national practices. Over the next 36 months, Deutsche Bundesbank, in its role as project leader, will organise intensive regional training programmes and bilateral measures focused on key central banking and supervisory issues. The thematic areas include anti-money laundering and combating terrorism financing, cyber risks, data science and management, digital transformation, innovation, and artificial intelligence at central banks. High-level meetings will also address current topics including central bank independence and developments in payment systems. The kick-off event for Phase III was held at Banca d'Italia, with attendance from Deutsche Bundesbank, the European Commission, and the ECB. Through this programme, the Bank of Albania continues its efforts to align with European standards and practices whilst strengthening institutional capacities in the context of its European integration process.