International Monetary Fund. Monetary and Capital Markets Department
The transparency of the Central Bank of Montenegro (CBCG)’s legal framework, its mandate,
autonomy, and decision-making arrangements have all been strengthened over time, but
further improvements are recommended. The most important room for improvement is for the
CBCG’s website to clearly explain that Montenegro’s unilateral euroization limits the scope for an
independent monetary policy and for the provision of ELA. That should be aligned with an enhanced
policy strategy, which should explain its operational framework and toolkit, helping the public
understand how policies are formulated and what to expect. In addition, it should ensure timely
publication of all its opinions on draft laws concerning the financial sector. The discussion on the
website of the CBCG’s existing functional autonomy could stress that the CBCG can perform its
mandate without prior approval needed from the Government. Finally, the CBCG’s transparency
could be enhanced by clarifying the function of the Governor’s Collegium and by publishing the
general act establishing the remuneration of the Governor, Vice-Governors, and Council members on
its website, along with existing links to their incomes and assets, which is already available in the
Anti-Corruption Agency website.
Economic performance in 2002 was generally favorable with good policy implementation, but considerable risks remain. Structural reforms have fallen behind program expectations, but the delays are being addressed. The discussions highlighted the need for prudent policies and strengthening of structural reforms. The structural reforms will focus on tax administration and expenditure management, banking supervision and resolution, and privatization. Monetary and exchange rate policies in Serbia should continue to balance the inflation and external objectives. Serbia and Montenegro's performance under the Extended Arrangement has remained good.