1 December 2023, Podgorica, Montenegro

In a cordial atmosphere, Director Handjijska-Trendafilova extended congratulations to Minister Dukaj on his mandate as Minister of Public Administration of Montenegro, in a challenging global context that further accentuates the importance of strong institutions and digitization. The Director appreciated the excellent collaboration with the institutions in Montenegro on various learning and capacity-building agendas, as well as important reform processes related to the development of the Strategy for the Information Society, the establishment of the Digital Academy, boosting strategic planning capacities, introducing quality management in public administration, etc. 

Handjijska-Trendafilova also emphasized ReSPA's collaborations with prestigious EU MS institutions and public administration schools to provide the dedicated regional civil servants access to the latest trends, insights and knowledge in public administration, highlighting the recently launched regional mobility programme that facilitates capacity building and exchange of civil servants among prominent regional organizations. “These efforts serve as prerequisites for active regional participation in European public administration programs and initiatives like the ComPAct plan. They align with European standards and values of good public administration, ultimately contributing to improved living conditions and prosperity for the citizens of Montenegro," emphasized Director Handjiska-Trendafilova.

Minister Dukaj expressed the value of leveraging experiences and positive practices and trends from EU member states in guiding Montenegro's ambitious reform tasks ahead, positioning ReSPA as a strong partner in this endeavour and highlighting its pivotal role “in supporting the Western Balkans' public administration reform process and digitization, especially in enhancing e-services”. Minister Dukaj voiced expectations for ReSPA to continue championing the latest standards in public administration reform, a critical area on the path towards EU integration.

The meeting underscored the significance of transformation and the exchange of best practices in the region, particularly concerning ongoing public administration reform efforts.