PRESS RELEASE
Second Deputy Governor Ahmetaj attends: The Economic and Financial Dialogue between the EU and the Western Balkans Partners, Türkiye, Georgia, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine

On 14 May 2024, the Economic and Financial Dialogue between the EU and the Western Balkans Partners, Türkiye, Georgia, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, was held in Brussels. The purpose of this annual meeting was to adopt the Joint Conclusions document regarding the economic and financial reform programs presented by these countries in January 2024. For Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine the programs were presented this year for the first time, after becoming candidates for EU membership.  Albania, in this meeting, was represented by the Ambassador of Albania in Brussels and the Head of Mission to the European Union, Mr Ferit Hoxha, and by the Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Albania, Ms Natasha Ahmetaj. 

In her speech, the Deputy Governor Ahmetaj focused on monetary and financial developments over 2023. She highlighted the actions of monetary policy to control inflation, which have driven inflation gradually fell towards the target of the Bank of Albania. Despite the decline in inflation, the monetary policy of the Bank of Albania will be guided by current data and will assess the developments in risk factors and the expectations of economic agents. Ms Ahmetaj described the evolution of the financial system and the banking sector during 2023 as positive, with very good indicators of financial performance and resilience against risks. The latter remain, however, present and require the continuous attention of the financial industry and regulatory authorities. At the end of her address, Ms Ahmetaj expressed the Bank of Albania's agreement with the content of the document.

The meeting was concluded upon the approval of the Joint Conclusions document by the representatives of all participating countries.