17–21 November 2025, Tirana, Albania

The Albanian School of Public Administration (ASPA), with the strong support of ReSPA, successfully hosted a five-day senior executive programme: “Leading with confidence – decision-making in complex and uncertain environments.”

Thanks to ReSPA’s facilitation, ASPA gained direct access to the distinguished expertise of INSP – Institut National du Service Public of France, enabling senior civil servants in Albania to learn from renowned European practitioners. Throughout the week, the programme brought together high-level decision-makers for an intensive learning experience grounded in practical insights, interactive exercises, and peer exchange.

Director Handjiska-Trendafilova underlined: “This programme showcased the value of regional cooperation and the impact of ReSPA’s support in connecting Western Balkan administrations with leading EU institutions. By enabling ASPA’s access to INSP expertise, we continue to strengthen the leadership capabilities of public servants and reinforce the region’s pathway towards European Union.”

Adea Pirdeni, Minister for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption, and and Oltjon Muzaka, Director General of ASPA, highlighted the growing need for a resilient, agile and future-oriented leadership capable of navigating institutional, legal and policy complexities.

H.E. Catherine Suard, Ambassador of France to Albania, underlined that reform begins with people and that by training public leaders, institutions are strengthened and Albania is supported on its path to the EU. She added that, together with ReSPA, France is proud to accompany the ongoing reforms aimed at building a modern public administration

Maryvonne Le Brignonen, Director of INSP: Building critical thinking and practical skills today means stronger institutions for tomorrow. This training equips senior officials with the critical tools they need to tackle complex national challenges, and paves the way for new collaborations between our institutions.

Over five days, 60+ senior executives from across the main Albanian public institutions engaged in intensive sessions with top European and national experts, gaining practical tools for effective decision-making, EU law-making, and strategic use of European funds.

Over the first two days, INSP expert Charles Touboul Moracchini guided participants through a dynamic mix of scenario-based discussions, practical reflections, and real-life case studies. His sessions provided tools for:

• Making sound and accountable decisions in times of crisis
• Operating within rapidly changing or uncertain legal environments
• Balancing legality with pragmatism
• Preserving transparency, integrity and public trust
• Understanding institutional reactions to emergency situations across Europe

These sessions equipped participants with actionable approaches for decision-making when legal frameworks shift unexpectedly.

On the third day, INSP expert Heike Otterbein and Albanian legal expert Ilir Rusmali addressed the complexities of EU law-making and implementation. Their joint module explored:

• Legal uncertainties during negotiation, transposition and implementation of EU legislation
• Anticipating and managing cross-institutional challenges
• Aligning national legislation with EU requirements
• Learning from good practices of EU Member States
• Developing coherent and effective regulatory solutions

Mr Rusmali’s contribution provided essential national context, linking European approaches with Albania’s legal and administrative framework.

The fourth day featured INSP experts Heike Otterbein and Patrick Faucheur, who led an advanced module on EU law-making focused on:

• Comparative legal drafting across EU Member States
• Addressing institutional and legal uncertainties throughout legislative cycles
• Adapting European requirements into national systems
• Preventing inconsistencies in the implementation process
• Co-creating legal solutions to shared challenges

The day concluded with a reception hosted by H.E. Catherine Suard, Ambassador of France, at the Residence of the French Embassy—celebrating the strong and growing collaboration between France and the institutions.

The final day centred on the governance and strategic use of European funds, led by INSP expert Patrick Faucheur, together with Albanian expert Genc Çifligu. Participants deepened their understanding of:

• Legal foundations and governance principles of EU funds
• Strategic design and management of EU-funded programmes
• Ensuring transparency, compliance and measurable impact
• Navigating complex institutional arrangements in EU financial assistance

The week concluded with a Closing Ceremony and Certificate Awarding Session, marking the successful completion of this comprehensive executive training.