ReSPA is organising the fifth module of the ReSPA Academy on the Evidence-Informed Policymaking Process, titled “Regulatory Impact Assessment for Effective Policymaking.” 

Building upon the success of the previous modules, this session will focus on strengthening participants’ practical capacities to conduct Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIA) as a vital tool in policy development and coordination. The module will feature presentations of current RIA practices by regional administrations and EU Member States, as well as practical exercises using a sample policy document developed specifically for this training. 

The concrete objectives of the fifth module, "Regulatory Impact Assessment for Effective Policymaking," are:

• Introduce the RIA framework in the Western Balkans and EU Member States and its role in evidence-based policymaking and EU integration.
• Provide hands-on experience in developing RIA.
• Foster peer learning and create a network of RIA practitioners across the region.

This module of the Academy will again bring together representatives of governmental institutions, mid to senior-level professionals with experience in policymaking, actively participating in policy planning, government coordination institutions, and line ministries.

This activity is intended for up to 30 participants (6 per ReSPA Member), primarily those who attended previous modules in October 2022, June 2023, April 2024, and September 2024. 

The Regional Academy on the evidence-informed policymaking process is ReSPA’s initiative aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of policymaking in Western Balkan public administrations. The Academy prioritizes strengthening cooperation with national governmental authorities and academic communities, increasing the involvement of national host institutions, and offering extended, comprehensive learning programs. It also emphasizes providing opportunities for highly participatory engagement from attendees representing national institutions.

The primary goal of the Academy is to further enhance the capacity of civil servants in evidence-informed policymaking and to deepen their knowledge of methods and tools that increase the efficiency of complex policy planning. Additionally, harmonizing policy planning approaches across the Western Balkan region will facilitate a better understanding of common problems, more precise solution definitions, and rigorous preparation of ReSPA Members for full EU integration. The Academy aims to improve participants' knowledge and professional skills related to the evidence-informed policymaking process and provides opportunities for networking with colleagues from the region.