22 December 2023, online

ReSPA, in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the National School of Administration (SNA), has introduced the upcoming Western Balkans Public Servants Capacity Building and Mobility Programme. This initiative aims to facilitate an opportunity for more than 55 committed public servants from the region to engage in a comprehensive series of intensive training modules. Additionally, they will partake in study visits and exchanges with various Italian institutions. The primary objectives include fostering learning, sharing experiences, and gaining familiarity with Italian and EU administrative practices. Moreover, it seeks to strengthen relationships among practitioners from the EU Member States.

The Programme will focus on several crucial areas, such as policy development, better regulation, EU accession, and digital transformation. HANDJISKA TRENDAFILOVA, the Director of ReSPA, emphasised the intent of aligning administrative practices in the Western Balkans with EU standards. She expressed pride in concluding the year on such a positive note and highlighted the Programme's role in empowering the civil service, an essential aspect of ongoing reforms. The goal is to support civil servants and administrations in establishing robust and resilient institutions.

Andrea CASCONE, Director for the Adriatic and the Balkans at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed the significance of this initiative in addressing critical aspects of the Western Balkans' EU accession process. He emphasized the need for strong human capital to drive reforms, particularly considering the European Commission's new Growth Plan.

Massimo GAIANI, Head of European and International Affairs at the National School of Administration, emphasized the robust partnership with ReSPA. He expressed confidence that the Programme would significantly contribute to aligning the public services in the Western Balkans with European standards.

Genti XHAXHIU, ReSPA Programme Coordinator, outlined the essential objectives, themes, and parameters of the upcoming Programme. He highlighted the collaborative efforts of dedicated civil servants from the region and the support provided by the Italian partners in terms of scientific and financial backing.

ReSPA is set to launch the call for applications in January 2024, coinciding with an already comprehensive Program of Work for 2024. The Programme is scheduled for implementation throughout the year.