Central Bank Independence in Southeastern Europe with a View to Future EU Accession

Sandra Dvorsky ()
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Sandra Dvorsky: Oesterreichische Nationalbank, European Affairs and International Financial Organizations Divison, http://www.oenb.at

Focus on European Economic Integration, 2004, issue 2, 50-75

Abstract: The paper provides a qualitative overview on current central bank legislation in Southeastern Europe (SEE), namely Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia and Montenegro, and assesses the degree of central bank independence (CBI) already achieved, using the Maastricht Treaty requirements as a yardstick. The following aspects of legal CBI are examined: first, the definition of statutory objectives in central bank laws (functional independence); second, the central banks independence in the formulation and implementation of monetary policy (institutional independence); third, the legal status of the central bank governor and other members of the highest decision-making body (personal independence). Fourth, the paper examines two aspects of financial independence, namely the budgetary independence of the central bank itself and the prohibition of monetary financing. Fifth, the paper briefly deals with central bank accountability issues. Moreover, selected aspects of actual CBI are analyzed. The paper concludes that the central bank laws already comply with Treaty requirements in some areas, while a considerable number of weaknesses remain. With a view to future EU accession, a further strengthening of both legal and actual CBI will be necessary for the countries to fulfill the requirements of the Maastricht Treaty.

Date: 2004
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