11 April 2025, Warsaw, Poland

Under the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Meeting of the CAF National Correspondents brought together key stakeholders and quality management experts from Europe, with a strong representation from the Western Balkans.

Stakeholders recognized ReSPA as a crucial partner in advancing Quality Management across the Western Balkans. They highlighted ReSPA’s dedication to capacity building, promotion, and advocacy for the Common Assessment Framework (CAF), especially in sectors like education and digital administration. ReSPA’s efforts were noted to have significantly boosted a culture of continuous improvement and performance excellence in the region's public administrations.

The opening address was delivered by Ms. Marta Kuzawinska, Director of Civil Service Department, followed by welcome remarks by Mr. Marco Ongaro, EIPA Director, Ms. Garcia Vara Arribas, Head of the European CAF Resource Center at EIPA and Ms. Katarzyna Dudzik, on behalf of the host and the CAF national correspondent of Poland.

The gathering served as a platform to reflect on the outcomes of the 10th CAF Users' Event and to outline strategic next steps for the CAF Network. Ms. Tihana Puzić, Deputy Head of the European CAF Resource Centre, emphasized the importance of continued collaboration, while Mr. Nick Thijs from OECD/SIGMA highlighted the role of digital government in public service delivery.

Insights from Austria on the CAF impact survey and updates on the Plan for Capacity Development were shared, with participants welcoming the initiative to establish a database of External Feedback Actors to further bolster the CAF evaluation process.

The new PEF procedures CER have been discussed with a particular emphasis on the promotion of the CER and provide adequate trainings. In addition, the CAF Network Action Plan and the need to focus on the promotion of CAF education, CER, CAF eTool and CAF database.