The National Bank hosted a working meeting with Italian representatives to discuss strategies for combating money counterfeiting.

The meeting included Governor Anita Angelovska-Bezhoska and her team, Italian Ambassador Paolo Palmieri, and senior representatives from the Carabinieri Corps, General Commander Gianluca Vitagliano and Lieutenant Pier Luigi Ferri. Discussions centered on exchanging experiences and investigative techniques.

Participants emphasized the importance of international cooperation in combating counterfeiting and agreed to strengthen collaboration between the two central banks. The National Bank’s ongoing efforts to enhance its capabilities in line with European standards were also highlighted. The Ambassador acknowledged the National Bank’s success in joining SEPA.

The meeting featured a presentation by representatives from the National Bank’s Directorate for Treasury Operations and the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Department of Financial Crime. The presentation covered legal regulations, the institutional framework, and the functioning of the system for combating money counterfeiting, as well as the security features of the denar.

The National Bank’s role in providing training to employees in credit institutions, cash centers, police officers, customs officials, and experts from other institutions was presented. This training focuses on manual verification of the authenticity and suitability of money in circulation.

Participants agreed that measures to prevent and combat counterfeiting are vital for the integrity and stability of the domestic economy and financial system. The “Pericles IV” project (2021-2027), which funds staff exchanges, seminars, training, and studies for authorities involved in combating euro counterfeiting, facilitated the visit.