Trajko Slaveski: Structural reforms can accelerate EU convergence

Trajko Slaveski, Governor of the National Bank, stated that structural reforms are essential to accelerating economic convergence with the European Union. Speaking at an international conference in Chisinau, Moldova, Slaveski noted that real convergence for Western Balkan countries remains slow.

Estimates suggest that a combination of reforms in labor markets, human capital, the business environment, and good governance could increase the country's GDP by approximately 14 percent, provided half of the existing gap with leading Central, Eastern, and Southeastern European economies is closed.

Slaveski highlighted that macroeconomic stability has provided a strong foundation for development, noting that trade openness reached approximately 130 percent of GDP in 2025. He emphasized that institutional reforms, the rule of law, and increased predictability are vital to improving the investment climate and public policy efficiency.