Skopje, 10 February 2025 (MIA) – The National Bank’s strong independence and credibility have been key factors in achieving its goals and maintaining macroeconomic stability in recent years, despite multiple global crises, it was noted during the meeting between Governor Anita Angelovska Bezhoska and Özlem Canel, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to our country.

“Angelovska Bezhoska said that the monetary policy has been and will remain focused on maintaining price stability in the medium term, capacity building and meeting the standards for access to the European System of Central Banks,” the National Bank said in a press release.

According to the Ambassador Canel, professionalism, expertise and dedication must be at a high level when it comes to the decisions implemented by the National Bank.

“Ensuring and maintaining the National Bank independence is of vital importance in fulfilling the role of the central bank as a guarantor of macroeconomic and financial stability, which is of particular importance for the country's EU integration prospects, and at the same time one of the basic prerequisites for attracting foreign investors,” the Governor said.

The meeting discussed the current macroeconomic developments, in particular the National Bank expectations in the autumn forecasts. It was noted that the policies and measures implemented in the past few years reduced inflation to 3.5% last year, with expectations for gradual stabilization this year. However, risks exist, requiring prudent macroeconomic policies.

It was also noted that strengthening further cooperation between the National Bank and the Central Bank of the Netherlands is of particular importance, as the latter is one of the strongest supporters of continuous improvement in central banking operations and a key partner in implementing numerous projects crucial to the National Bank’s policy objectives.

Moreover, gratitude was expressed to the Ministry of Finance of the Netherlands, which together with the OECD, has provided valuable support for the National Bank and domestic financial regulators in drafting the first National Strategy for Financial Education. According to the National Bank, this document outlines measures to enhance financial literacy, ensuring more informed participation in the financial sector and improved consumer protection.

Photo: National Bank