Skopje, 31 March 2025 (MIA) - The National Bank Governor, Anita Angelovska Bezhoska and her team welcomed the Italian Ambassador Paolo Palminteri and senior representatives from the Currency Anti-Counterfeiting Unit of the Carabinieri Corps Gen. Gianluca Vitagliano and Lt. Pierluigi Ferri to exchange experiences and investigative techniques combating counterfeiting.

The meeting concluded that the National Bank is continuously building up its capacities in this area, adhering to the European standards. It was highlighted that international cooperation is of exceptional significance for combating these phenomena and that cooperation between the two central banks will continue to strengthen in multiple forms. The Ambassador congratulated the National Bank on its joining to SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) payment schemes.

At the working meeting, which was also attended by representatives of the Ministry of Interior’s Financial Crime Department, the team of the National Bank’s Cash Management Department gave a presentation on the relevant regulations, institutional setup and anti-counterfeiting system, as well as denar protective elements.

The National Bank’s role was also presented, which, as the only authorized institution in the country, provides continuous support through mandatory training for employees in credit institutions and cash centers for manual authenticity verification and suitability of currency in circulation and specialized training for police and customs officers, as well as for experts from other institutions authorized to prevent and combat money counterfeiting.

The meeting assessed that measures and activities aimed at preventing and combating money counterfeiting are crucial for the overall integrity and strengthening of the stability of the domestic economy and the financial system in the country, as well as for protecting the financial interests of other countries whose currencies circulate in our payment operations.

The visit was part of the Pericles IV (2021-2027) programme that funds staff exchanges, seminars, training and studies for law enforcement and judicial authorities, banks and other involved in combating euro-counterfeiting. Actions can take place in the euro area, in non-euro area countries and in third countries.

Photo: National Bank