The Governor of the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jasmina Selimović, Ph.D., participated in a closed meeting of finance ministers and governors of 19 Central, Eastern and Southeastern European countries in Washington, where the IMF's economic forecasts for Europe were presented.

The meeting was dedicated to the challenges that the region faces in conditions of strong global uncertainty, frequent geopolitical and economic shocks, increased inflationary pressures and slowing economic growth. A special emphasis was placed on the appropriate macroeconomic response to disruptions in energy prices, the design of fiscal measures, the protection of the most vulnerable categories of the population, and the strengthening of the economy's resistance to future shocks.

At the invitation of Alfred Kammer, director of the IMF's European department, as a representative of one of the three countries that were invited to present their comments, Governor Selimović gave her review of the presented report.

The Governor pointed out that Bosnia and Herzegovina, like other countries in the region, is facing global challenges, which require carefully managed, credible and mutually coordinated economic policies. According to the preliminary macroeconomic projections of the Central Bank of BH, inflation growth and a slowdown in economic activity are expected in 2026, while in 2027 there could be a gradual improvement, provided external shocks weaken.

The Governor particularly pointed out the vulnerabilities of small and open economies in the context of price competitiveness decline, real wage growth exceeding the productivity growth, and changes in global trade flows. Such trends, she stressed, further confirm the need to implement structural reforms, reduce operating costs and remove remaining obstacles to increasing competitiveness and long-term resilience.

Speaking about the role of monetary policy, she pointed out that central banks have to remain strongly committed to preserving economic stability, but also that their efficiency in the coming period will be under additional pressures due to the complex nature of inflation shocks, productivity slowdown and increased global uncertainty.

Governor Selimović's participation in this meeting once again confirms the active role of the Central Bank of BH in regional and international discussions on key economic and financial issues, as well as its commitment to preserving the macroeconomic and financial stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

„Reforming Europe Under Pressure“