Governor of the CBBH at the Financial Times Forum in Vienna

The Governor of the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina (CBBH), Jasmina Selimović, Ph.D. participated in the Forum for Central and Eastern Europe organized by the Financial Times, held on January 13 and 14, 2026 in Vienna.

As part of the panel discussion on the views of central banks on current macro-financial challenges, topics that dominate the contemporary monetary and financial environment were discussed: the trends of interest rates and inflation, green finances, climate risks in the banking sector, the independence of central banks, SEPA integration and digital currencies.

Speaking about interest rates, Governor Selimović emphasized that interest rates in BH, within the framework of the currency board arrangement, are formed through the transfer of external financial conditions and that, thanks to strong liquidity and a stable banking sector, greater volatility was avoided during the period of global monetary tightening. Inflation in Bosnia and Herzegovina amounted to 4.0% in 2025, while CBBH projections indicate its slowdown below 3% in 2026.

Regarding green finances and the challenges currently faced, which slow down its development and limit their contribution to sustainable investments, the Governor emphasized that this sector requires measures for its reactivation. Although primarily aimed at preserving macroeconomic and financial stability, the monetary policy, she added, can significantly contribute to the development of green financing through favorable financial conditions, stable liquidity and reduced uncertainty. Such an environment facilitates the financing of long-term projects in the field of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and climate resistance.

Bearing in mind the fact that the integration of climate-related risks into the banks supervision is a developing process, and that monetary stability is a key support for long-term sustainable investments, Governor Selimović said that the CBBH has contracted a large and significant technical assistance program with the European Investment Bank (EIB). In this program, the CBBH will act as a coordinator of activities among all relevant institutions with the aim of integrating climate risks into the financial system of BH.

The Governor specifically pointed to the strong support of the European Commission and the European Central Bank for the independence of the CBBH, and highlighted the activities in the process of Bosnia and Herzegovina's accession to the SEPA area. The pre-application was submitted in December 2025, and BH is ready for the next stages of the SEPA process, bearing in mind the fact that both Entities governments have adopted the necessary laws. A formal application is expected in the first quarter of 2026, with the aim of enabling faster, safer and cheaper euro payments.

In the part of the panel discussion on digital currencies, Governor Selimović emphasized that the CBBH takes a cautious and analytical approach, with active monitoring of European and international initiatives.

Concluding the presentation, the Governor pointed out that the CBBH remains strongly committed to preserving monetary and financial stability, European integration and modernization of the financial system of BH.