Skopje, 12 February 2026 (MIA) - The National Bank Governor, Trajko Slaveski, met with Nicole Varnes, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Skopje, exchanging views on economic trends, the National Bank institutional development and the reforms aimed at supporting economic growth and European integration.

In the meeting, as Slaveski’s Office reported, it was emphasized that the National Bank is continuously building up its institutional capacity through the implementation of multiple development projects, particularly focusing on payment system modernization. Modern and efficient payment solutions contribute to greater security, faster flow of funds and facilitation of business operations, which is important for improving investment climate.

Governor Slaveski emphasized that maintaining macroeconomic and financial stability remains of paramount importance for the National Bank, as a core basis for creating a stable and predictable economic environment. Such an environment is a prerequisite for encouraging domestic and foreign investments and sustainable economic growth.

Governor Slaveski also addressed the country's accession to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), referring to it is a historic milestone for the Macedonian economy. He pointed out that joining SEPA has brought multiple benefits for the Macedonian citizens and companies in terms of faster, more efficient and less expensive euro payments, even before the country's full membership in the European Union.

The Governor emphasized that the TIPS clone, developed with the support of the European Central Bank, has formalized the start of a modern instant payments system as a major step forward in the modernization of the national payment infrastructure and its regional connection with the Western Balkan countries and the European payment area. With this system, payments will be executed in real time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with most transactions being processed in a few seconds. The new solutions will enable simple payment initiation, which will contribute to faster, more secure and cheaper transactions for citizens and companies, and will make merchants operate more efficiently.

The meeting also confirmed the readiness to further deepen cooperation and exchange experiences in areas of mutual interest, with the aim of supporting economic stability and reform processes in the country.

Photo: National Bank