9 April 2025, Warsaw, Poland

Senior officials from ReSPA Member States convened at the National School of Public Administration (KSAP) premises in Warsaw for the 64th Governing Board (GB) meeting to address strategic, operational, and financial priorities, reinforcing ReSPA’s role in regional public administration reform.

Director Handjiska–Trendafilova presented the annual performance report 2024 (January-December) and reported on the institution’s operations, the implementation of the Programme of Work from November 2024 to March 2025, introduced the indicative plan of activities for the second quarter of 2025 and provided updates on the utilization of direct support instruments. The Board took note of the reports and plans and agreed on proposed actions as well as application deadlines for 2025.

Financial discussions focused on the presented Annual Financial Report for 2024 and the implementation of the Core Budget. The Governing Board acknowledged both reports, following recommendations from the Budget Committee. The Board also adopted a resolution on the Core Budget Addendum for 2025 and reviewed the status of other issues, such as human resources and institutional development of the ReSPA Secretariat.

The next GB Meeting is scheduled for the first half of July 2025.

At the margins of the GB Meeting, Director Handjiska-Trendafilova and Małgorzata Bywanis-Jodlińska signed a Memorandum of Understanding between ReSPA and the Director of the National School of Public Administration of Poland (KSAP). This strategic partnership will foster knowledge-sharing and skill development between Western Balkan and EU public administrations. ReSPA and KSAP aim to enhance the resilience of public institutions in the Western Balkans and actively support the EU accession process through innovation and capacity-building initiatives.