17 November 2025, Rome, Italy

The 17th Governing Board Meeting of the ReSPA at the Ministerial level took place in Rome, bringing together ministers responsible for public administration reform (PAR) from ReSPA Members and representatives of the European Commission.

Chaired by Marash Dukaj, Minister of Public Administration of Montenegro, the meeting gathered Fotjona Tace, Chief Cabinet of the Ministry of  State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption; Davor Bunoza, Minister of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Goran Minčev, Minister of Public Administration of North Macedonia; and Snežana Paunović, Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government of Serbia.

Ministers reviewed and endorsed the ReSPA Annual Report for 2024–2025, the Budget for 2026–2027, and the Core Budget contributions for 2026, recognising ReSPA’s strong performance and strategic value in advancing public administration reform across the Western Balkans.

Reflecting on a year of tangible results, ReSPA delivered 11 high-level policy dialogues and ministerial conferences, reinforcing political commitment to reform and regional cooperation. Through over 70 capacity-building initiatives, ReSPA empowered nearly 1,600 civil servants from more than 100 institutions, while 20 tailor-made on-demand projects addressed concrete reform needs in governance, HR, quality management, and digitalisation. Mobility programmes and 40 scholarships enabled civil servants to connect with EU counterparts, strengthening their integration into the European Administrative Space. ReSPA further expanded its reach through seven new cooperation agreements and active participation in EU-funded initiatives such as Ireland for EU Enlargement, AI4Gov-X, and RADAR, placing innovation, data, and digital transformation at the core of public sector modernization.

“This year truly reflects the power of partnership, professionalism, and shared vision. Together with our EU partners and the unwavering dedication of outstanding public administration teams across the Western Balkans, the ReSPA team has advanced key reforms, strengthened capacities, and driven innovation across the region. I extend sincere appreciation to our Governing Board members for their strategic guidance and trust, which have been instrumental in delivering tangible results — from Ready4EU to the growing mobility and digital transformation initiatives. As we look ahead, ReSPA remains committed to deepening cooperation and expanding its activities to the broader circle of Enlargement countries, fostering a stronger, more connected European Administrative Space,” emphasised  Director Handjiska-Trendafilova.

The Ministers endorsed the Joint Ministerial Statement, reaffirming the Western Balkans’ shared commitment to building professional, accountable, and resilient public administrations - key enablers of EU integration and democratic governance. The statement underscores the region’s dedication to advancing data-driven and anticipatory governance, policy coordination, and evidence-informed policymaking, while promoting inclusive, transparent, and citizen-centred services. It also highlights priorities for modernising HRM, fostering merit-based recruitment, strengthening digital resilience and AI competencies, and investing in leadership and talent development. Ministers pledged to accelerate regulatory simplification, interoperability, and innovation-driven reforms that enhance trust in public institutions.

Ministers also reiterated strong support for regional cooperation, mobility schemes inspired by the Erasmus for Civil Servants model, and closer collaboration with EU Member States and professional networks. They also welcomed the prospective participation of Moldova, Ukraine, and Armenia in ReSPA’s activities, reinforcing ReSPA’s role as a key regional hub for innovation, capacity building, and alignment with the European Administrative Space.

In line with tradition, the meeting concluded with the ceremonial handover of ReSPA’s Chairmanship from Montenegro to Serbia. Outgoing Chair, Minister Marash Dukaj, formally transferred the role to Minister Snežana Paunović, who expressed her appreciation for the trust placed in Serbia and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional partnership and reform excellence:

“It is a great pleasure for me that the Republic of Serbia is assuming the chairmanship of ReSPA. This is a significant recognition of our work so far, but also a responsibility to be even stronger, more visible, and more dedicated in the period ahead. In its role as chair, Serbia will make a full contribution to strengthening regional cooperation, the exchange of knowledge and modern management practices, as these are the key foundations of a successful public administration reform. I am confident that, together with our partners in the region, we will make ReSPA an even stronger pillar for our administrations and a catalyst for accelerating all our progress on the European path.
As chair, Serbia will place special emphasis on practical results, strengthening institutional capacities, digitalising services, and increasing administrative efficiency. Our goal is clear: a modern, accountable, and citizen-oriented public administration across the entire region,” underlined Minister Paunović.”