Bari, 15 April 2025 

The historic Kursaal Santalucia Theatre in Bari became a hub of regional cooperation and administrative exchange this Tuesday, marking the launch of the second cycle of the Capacity Building and Mobility Programme between the Western Balkans and Italy. Over 50 public servants from the Western Balkans gathered to commence a year-long transformative journey focusing on European Governance and Affairs, the EU Single Market, and Human Resources Management & Performance Appraisal.

This flagship programme, supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and implemented by ReSPA in partnership with Italy’s National School of Administration (SNA) and the Italian Department of Public Administration, builds on the notable achievements of its previous edition. It aims to foster stronger administrative ties, knowledge exchange, and best practice sharing between Italy and the Western Balkans within a shared European administrative space.

At the Opening Conference, Director Maja Handjiska-Trendafilova emphasised the programme’s impact, stating: “ReSPA continues to build bridges, connecting the Western Balkans not only with Italy, but with the wider EU. This initiative shows how our Italian partners turn support into real opportunities for civil servants.”

A distinguished panel of speakers contributed their insights and support, including:

• Roberto Venneri, Secretary General of the Presidency of the Puglia Region
• Thomas Botzios, Director for the Adriatic and the Western Balkans, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Massimo Gaiani, Head of European and International Affairs, SNA
• Fotjona Tace, Chief of Staff, Minister for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption, Albania

Key sessions explored the transformation of public administration and governance practices. Francesco Leone, Advisor to the Italian Minister for Public Administration, highlighted reforms in recruitment, talent attraction, and youth engagement in Italy’s public sector. Prof. Ilaria Giannoccaro from the Politecnico di Bari introduced the ESG paradigm in public administration, while Marina Muserra from the Puglia Region presented structural frameworks for effectively managing EU-funded programmes.

Sharing a personal perspective, Biljana Papović, State Secretary at the Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro and an alumna of the programme’s 2024 edition, reflected on how the experience shaped her professional development. Meanwhile, Ledri Hysenaj from the European Commission (SG REFORM) provided an overview of EU instruments supporting public sector modernisation, including TSI, PACE, and ComPAct.

The opening day concluded with a walking tour through Bari’s historic old city, offering participants a rich cultural experience and a glimpse into Italy’s vibrant heritage.

In the days ahead, participants will delve into tailored training modules led by renowned Italian lecturers and practitioners. ReSPA invites all stakeholders and interested parties to stay tuned for further updates on this impactful programme, as it continues to shape the future of public administration in the Western Balkans.