Dublin, 24–28 November 2025

ReSPA, in partnership with the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) and Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, successfully supported the delivery of the Dublin module of the “Ireland for EU Enlargement – Leading for Impact” programme. The module brought together public service leaders from Albania, Moldova, Montenegro, and Ukraine, strengthening their capacities to navigate the complexities of the EU accession process through learning, exchange, and practical leadership development.

Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland and implemented in close cooperation with ReSPA, the programme is structured around three thematic streams:

• Justice, Integrity, Rule of Law and Governance
• Building Institutions for Economic Prosperity
• Digital Transformation of Public Administration

The Dublin module, “Leading for Impact”, was designed to equip participants with practical leadership tools while exposing them to comparative practices from Ireland. Through integrative thinking labs, design clinics, and on-site institutional visits, participants explored Ireland’s approach to EU membership, evidence-based policymaking, and public sector innovation.

The first day offered an intensive experiential learning programme at IPA, followed by an engaging session at the LinkedIn offices. Seamus Clancy, Ahmed Fadl and the LinkedIn team provided valuable insights into leadership, communication, and team collaboration in a digital era. The Leadership Lab at IPA set the tone for a week focused on practical learning, active engagement, and peer exchange.

Day 2 featured an Institutional Safari, giving delegates direct insight into the functioning of Ireland’s public institutions. Participants visited the Central Bank of Ireland, Courts Service of Ireland and Revenue (Irish Tax and Customs)

These visits highlighted Ireland’s institutional evolution and its experience within the EU policy and regulatory framework. Facilitated reflection sessions enabled delegates to translate observations into actionable insights.

The final day took place at Iveagh House, home of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Through a masterclass delivered in a café-style format, participants engaged with senior Irish and EU-level voices on strategic perspectives related to European integration, governance, and regional stability. The programme closed with a “Philosophers’ Walk,” encouraging reflection on lessons learned and future application.

Speaking at the event, Director Handjiska – Trendafilova underlined the importance of the collaboration with Irish partners while connecting the Western Balkans and Enlargement countries with Irish public administrations: “This partnership goes beyond knowledge-sharing - it builds bridges between Ireland’s institutions and the public administrations of the Western Balkans and Enlargement countries. Together, we are investing in agile leadership and strengthening institutional capacities essential for an accelerated EU integration path.”

Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora Neale Richmond and EU and Trade Policy Director General, Maeve von Heynitz presented Ireland’s accession experience and commitment to supporting candidate and potential candidate countries.
IPA Director General Helen Brophy thanked the Department for selecting the IPA as their partner of choice, noting ‘The visit to Iveagh House was a fitting end to the programme’s week of learning, collaboration and connection in Dublin.

ReSPA is proud to continue its partnership with Ireland’s institutions in advancing professional leadership and strengthening public administration capacities across the Western Balkans and neighbouring EU-aspiring countries. The Dublin module reaffirmed the importance of meaningful exchange, experiential learning, and international cooperation in accelerating reforms and supporting the EU integration journey.