3 April 2024, Podgorica, Montenegro

ReSPA, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian National School of Administration (SNA) have officially launched the “Western Balkans Public Servants Capacity Building and Mobility Programme with Italian Administration” today.

This significant event brought together distinguished guests, including Maida GORČEVIĆ, Minister of European Affairs, Montenegro; Naim GJOKAJ, State Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration of Montenegro; H.E. Ms. Andreina MARSELLA, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to Montenegro; H.E. Ambassador Massimo GAIANI, Head of the European and International Affairs, SNA and over 50 public servants from the Western Balkans who are set to embark on the multi-modular capacity building and mobility learning journey.

Maida GORČEVIĆ, Minister of European Affairs of Montenegro, stated that the European Union recognises public administration reform as a cornerstone of the whole accession process, considering it equally important as the rule of law, the fight against corruption, and economic governance. Institutional capacity building appeals to our countries to deliver more credibly on our commitment to implement the fundamental reforms required and ensure the proper functioning of democratic institutions and public administration.

“Government remains fully committed to implementing Montenegrin society's European standards and structural reforms. One of our primary goals is to improve public services, more efficient and tailored to the needs of citizens, investors and businesses. I am sure that this Programme will support civil servants and administrations in the Western Balkans in establishing resilient institutions and aligning the public services with European standards”, Gorčević said.

Maja HANDJISKA-TRENDAFILOVA, ReSPA Director, emphasised the crucial importance of aligning the administrative frameworks, standards and practices of the Western Balkans with that of the European Union as a key factor for improving competitiveness, boosting sustainable growth and accelerating the region’s integration into the EU, highlighting that this initiative arrives at a pivotal moment that necessitates even stronger capacitated civil service.

“Through this initiative, ReSPA and our partners provide 55 civil servants with invaluable insights into the latest European public administration reform trends, including policy development, better regulation, EU integration, and digital transformation. With the support of over 50 experts from the Italian National School of Administration (SNA), EU institutions and various institutions across the Western Balkans, our civil servants will have the opportunity to learn, exchange knowledge, build networks, and grow via an additional enriching regional approach. On behalf of the civil servants, the ReSPA team, and myself, I sincerely thank our Italian partners for this exceptional opportunity to contribute actively to a Shared European Administrative Space.”

Naim GJOKAJ, State Secretary in Montenegro's Ministry of Public Administration, emphasised that advancing public administration reform is pivotal for Montenegro's accession to the European Union. He highlighted the significance of international partners, particularly ReSPA, in achieving this priority, especially in enhancing civil servants' competencies.

"Our international partners and organisations, among which ReSPA plays a special place, are of crucial importance for achieving this priority of ours, especially when we talk about the competencies of civil servants and their improvement. The goal is to make employees professional and competent through education in areas that correspond to their education and potential, as well as growing and more complex needs. And that is one of the reasons that this training is going in the direction we want to achieve," said Gjokaj.

Andreina MARSELLA, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to Montenegro, expressed great enthusiasm for participating in such a significant program that fosters connections between the Western Balkans and Italian public administration. "Thanks to the incredible collaboration between ReSPA and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the signed MoU between ReSPA and SNA, we are now launching this important program. I congratulate ReSPA for this initiative and its ongoing dedication to enhancing professionalism in public administration and progressing towards EU integration, where the public administration of Italy plays a key role. This program will serve as a bridge between the Western Balkans and Italy, and we eagerly anticipate its success!" said Marsella.

Massimo GAIANI, Head of the European and International Affairs, Scuola Nazionale dell’Amministrazione (SNA) emphasised Italy's strong support for the Western Balkans' accession process to the EU. Gajani underscored the significance of this program not only for the capacity building of civil servants but also for diplomatic training, facilitating the establishment of enduring positive relationships among regions. “SNA is pleased to implement the MoU signed with ReSPA, contributing to the program's execution. We eagerly anticipate hosting participants in Caserta and Rome, providing access to numerous experts, public servants and practitioners from Italy but we are also eager to learn from them,” underlined Gaiani.

Kjartan BJÖRNSSON, Deputy Director & Head of Unit for Public Administration and Governance, DG REFORM, European Commission enriched the Conference by sharing such invaluable insights into the PACE initiative of the European Commission, as well as the latest trends in the EU MS public administration and updates on the ComPAct Initiative to the participants