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Newsletter #1 May - August 2024 |
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Highlights |
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Learning, Networking and Capacity Building |
European Integration and Accession Negotiations
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Last quarter, we successfully integrated two comprehensive training programs within the European integration and accession negotiation thematic area which boosted civil servants' skills and knowledge on the EU policy and acquis implementation, the phasing-in approach, the concept of accelerated integration, the new Growth Plan, enlargement momentum, etc. |
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Cluster 5 Training Module Strengthened Administrative Capacities in Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion The Training brought together public officials, experts, and regional stakeholders in June 2025 to advance skills and knowledge across Chapters 11, 12, 13, and 22. The module is part of our ongoing series on negotiation clusters, designed to support EU integration and the implementation of structural reforms in the Western Balkans. Participants engaged with EU and regional experts on agriculture and rural development, food safety, fisheries, and cohesion policy, exploring policy alignment, funding mechanisms, and practical negotiation strategies. |
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After 6 Months, the “Ready4EU Programme” was Officially Concluded The programme brought together 22 participants, who completed six tailored modules designed to prepare Montenegrin civil servants for future careers in EU institutions, agencies, and advisory bodies. At the request of the Government of Montenegro, ReSPA supported its design, providing training facilities and helping participants gain a clearer understanding of the complex EPSO testing procedures. This initiative marks a significant step in equipping Montenegro’s public servants with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute effectively within the European Administrative Space. |
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2025 Summer School on “EU Policy, Enlargement and Reform”: A Deep Dive Into Europe’s Shared Future In Budva, at the end of June, the 2025 edition of the Summer School brought together over 35 public servants from across the Western Balkans to engage in in-depth exchange, critical reflection, and forward-looking dialogue on EU integration. Organised jointly by the European University Institute (EUI) and ReSPA, with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the programme strengthened participants’ strategic understanding of EU enlargement, reform pathways, and regional cooperation. |
Policy Development and Coordination
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We integrated capacity building and mobility within the Policy Development and Coordination thematic area to assist Western Balkans teams in crafting public policies that will shape the region's future and enhance citizen well-being. Our efforts focused on promoting efficiency, fairness, sustainability, inclusivity, innovation, and resilience in policy development. |
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During the 2nd Cycle of the Capacity Building and Mobility Programme crafted with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the National School for Public Administration (SNA), 15 participants attended the Policy Development and Coordination/Better Regulation Module to learn about the latest developments in evidence-based policy-making in Italy. They engaged with distinguished scholars, policymakers, and experts from SNA and gained a deeper understanding of the complexities and innovations in public administration. |
Human Resources Management and Professional Development
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In the realm of Human Resources Management and Professional Development, we addressed several crucial topics, such as the comprehensive exploration of the skills and competencies needed to navigate the future of digitally ready governments, the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in HRMIS, LMS, and TMS in the Western Balkans, and the critical role of employer branding and talent management. |
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Co-created with the French Ministry of Public Sector Transformation and the Civil Service Support, the dialogue "Navigating Transformation: Empowering Public Service for Today's Trends and Challenges" brought together esteemed guest speakers in a vibrant exchange on the best practices in France, Croatia and Western Balkan administrations on transforming public service in the Western Balkans to align with modern trends and EU integration demands, discussing workforce attractiveness, ethics, diversity, AI integration, and public service image. The workshop also introduced tools and initiatives like ComPAct, TAIEX, ReSPA's Mobility Programme, and Young Cells Albania to enhance regional cooperation. |
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For two days, we hosted a workshop for around 20 civil servants from the Western Balkans to explore their skills for digitally ready governments. Participants were equipped with cutting-edge trends and best practices in competency frameworks, fostering mutual learning and drawing on valuable experiences from OECD and EU member states. |
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Through virtual conversation, 30 public servants, policymakers, HR and professionals, interested in enhancing motivation and talent management practices learned from Federal Public Service Policy and Support (BOSA) of Belgium, Directorate General for Administration and the Civil Service (DGAFP) of France and National School for Public Administration of Croatia about strategic approaches to employer branding and talent management from EU public administrations, both at entry and throughout career development. The event highlighted the importance of strategic talent management in creating motivated, empowered public service employees and enhancing public sector efficiency and effectiveness. |
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The workshop on Human Resources Management Information Systems (HRMIS), Learning Management Systems (LMS), and Training Management Systems (TMS) empowered senior managers responsible for HRM with the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in these areas. Through a dynamic mix of presentations, panel discussions, interactive sessions, and group work, they enhanced their understanding and implementation of HRMIS, LMS, and TMS practices and benefited from the shared experiences and insights from renowned public servants of France and Slovenia. |
Service Delivery
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Last quarter, our colleagues from the Service Delivery thematic area took bold steps towards modernizing governments and elevating quality management to enhance work performance and public services. In their efforts to digitalize, they integrated various initiatives focusing on capacity building and learning in digital transformation, cyber security, and interoperability. |
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One of our flagship initiatives, the Seasonal School on Digital Transformation, offered 30 senior public officials to delve into cutting-edge topics crucial for future governance. Through a rich blend of lectures, workshops, and expert panels they explored innovative approaches such as leveraging open data for knowledge-based economies, applying user-centric services through Rapid Innovation Lab models, and navigating the evolving role of AI in public administration. |
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On the first day of the Seasonal School of Digital Transformation, jointly with UNDP Serbia, we hosted the Regional Open Data Challenge 2024 Awarding Ceremony to foster data-driven innovations across sectors like mobility, workforce, tourism, and demographics. Winners - teams from Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Albania - were recognized for their impactful solutions and ideas that leverage open data. |
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Video Statement from the 1st Place Winner of RODC 2024: |
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Jointly with UNDP Serbia, we launched the Regional Open Data Challenge 2024 to encourage collaboration between the government, CSOs, academia, and the private sector in delivering data-driven innovation that improves public services, empowers citizens or boosts economic activities. |
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In collaboration with the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre, we conducted a 3-day Training of Trainers on Cyber Hygiene - a programme crafted for 20 senior officials to champion cyber resilience within their organizations. They are empowered to train their colleagues to manage cyber security risks effectively within their institutions across the Western Balkans. |
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Building on the success of the inaugural Interoperability Academy in Montenegro, we continued a second one in Bosnia and Herzegovina which brought together key representatives from two significant interoperability networks: the Inter-sectorial Working Group for Interoperability and the Coordination Group for the Interoperability of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. They collaborated under the technical support of the Ministry of Transport and Communication of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and ensured a robust and productive exchange of knowledge and strategies. |
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Jointly with SIGMA and GIZ, we propelled interoperability and digital transformation forward for the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership. The Brussels Learning Week gathered 40 experts in a rich exchange of knowledge and experiences enhanced skills needed for digital public services and interoperability while promoting digital cohesion across the EU and its neighbouring regions. Experts from the European Commission and EU Member States provided key insights on vital EU standards such as the European Interoperability Framework, eID, eIDAS 2.0, "once-only" data registration, e-wallets, and trust services. |
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In a collaborative endeavour with SIGMA, we launched the 3rd cycle of the prestigious Public Administration Awards in the Western Balkans. Under the motto "Building a Better Public Administration for and with Users!", this year's competition aims to highlight, reward, and promote initiatives that create meaningful benefits for the region's citizens and businesses. After a selection process by esteemed experts from the Western Balkans and the EU, the winners will be announced at the Ceremony to be organized on the occasion of the High-Level Policy Dialogue on November 27, 2024, in Skopje, North Macedonia. |
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Mechanisms of Direct Support |
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"On-demand" Support Instruments are one of the most flexible and impactful ways to respond to the evolving needs of our Members. Building on positive experiences, growing demand, and an enhanced methodology, these tailored interventions continue to drive innovation, efficiency, and effectiveness across public administrations in the Western Balkans. At present, 19 projects are in different stages of implementation, covering Public Administration Reform (PAR), policy development, HR management and development (HRMD), digital transformation, and governance innovation. Each initiative is designed to empower institutions to become better equipped, more transparent, and highly efficient in serving citizens. Ongoing Projects
Projects in Final Review
Recently Completed Projects
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Mobility Schemes |
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Our Mobility Schemes foster mutual learning, exchange, and collaboration between peers in the region and in the EU member states. We enabled public servants from the Western Balkans to participate in and contribute to the significant PACE (Public Administration Cooperation Exchange) initiative of the European Commission. Western Balkan civil servants participated at the project coordinated by the Direction générale de l'administration et de la fonction publique (DGAFP) while others engaged in exchange weeks, discussing with the EU peers issues of "Attracting and retaining talents in the civil service: strategies, tools, and actors" and the "Prospective approach of Careers: Coaching, and Mentoring". |
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This quarter, through the Mobility schemes, we connected teams from the Western Balkans and their peers within the region and from the EU Member states, continuing on a dynamic trajectory: |
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We also enabled six public servants to participate in the Summer School on "EU Better Regulation and EU Integration" They actively engaged in group work and discussions, analysing a Strategic Plan and a Management Plan of a Commission DG. They also examined the alignment of EU Impact Assessments with national RIA systems and explored possibilities for moving towards EU best practices for Better Regulation. |
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Peer Exchange Between the General Secretariats of North Macedonia and Montenegro ReSPA facilitated a peer exchange between the General Secretariats of North Macedonia and Montenegro, offering a valuable platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration. The exchange focused on advancing strategic planning processes, allowing both administrations to share best practices and strengthen institutional capacities. |
Mobility and Capacity-Building Programme Crafted with Italian Institutions
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At the beginning of this year, we kicked off a capacity-building and mobility program crafted with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation the Italian National School of Administration (SNA) at the Opening Conference, continuing with its first Cycle, crafted of three parallel learning modules. |
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This quarter, we continued with the 2nd Cycle held in Caserta and Rome, seamlessly integrating three modules. The program included training sessions in Caserta, organized by the Italian National School of Administration (SNA), along with peer learning opportunities during visits to various public administration institutions in Rome. |
Regional Mobility Programme with Job-Shadowing Component
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In addition to the Mobility programme crafted jointly with the Italian public institutions, we launched the Regional Mobility Programme, which initially included executive training at the College of Europe and study visits to EU institutions. |
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This quarter, we have entered the new phase of the Regional Mobility Programme – a job shadowing phase - offering civil servants participating at the Mobility Programme the chance to work with, learn from, and exchange ideas during one working week with colleagues in CEFTA, RCC, RAI, RYCO, CEF, TCT, and WBF, who hosted them or a job shadowing. |
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We share impressions from Enxhi Oga who spent a week at the Transport Community Treaty Secretariat: “I am Enxhi Oga from Albania. I am a Specialist in the Sector of Information, Environment Statistics, and Geography Information Systems at the National Environment Agency, which operates under the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania. I am here at the Transport Community through a job shadowing opportunity provided by the Regional School of Public Administration. As transport has significant environmental impacts, I appreciate the kindness and openness of everyone here in sharing their knowledge and insights”. The ReSPA team would like to thank all partners and civil servants for joining us on this incredible journey! |
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Policy Briefs |
We are presenting our latest policy briefs:
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“The New Growth Plan for the Western Balkans: Seizing the Renewed Momentum to Spearhead Public Administration Reform" A robust public administration is crucial for transparent governance, efficient public services, and sustained growth. It’s also essential for the EU accession process, driving key reforms and dialogue with the European Union. Key Highlights: Public administrations, the backbone of EU accession, new Growth Plan adoption and reform agendas and focus on public administration reform and regional cooperation. |
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"Inclusive and Transparent Policy-Making Process as a Precondition for Sustainable Reforms in the EU Accession" Public policies aim to generate public value by effectively utilising resources, delivering high-quality services, establishing regulations, and organising public life. The ultimate goal? To improve citizens' lives and foster an environment where rights and freedoms are exercised freely. Key Aspects of the Paper: the essential role of public and state institutions in policy-making; how elected/appointed officials and civil servants channel ideas into outcomes and detailed analysis of the policy cycle: from setting the agenda to continuous improvement. |
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Partnership |
Our strong partnerships are flourishing and expanding rapidly.
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Director Handjiska-Trendafilova met with Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, Ervin Ibrahimović The meeting focused on opportunities to deepen collaboration in advancing public administration reform and strengthening regional cooperation. It reaffirmed Montenegro’s strategic role in regional initiatives and its strong commitment to the EU integration process. |
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Minister Minchev Visited ReSPA Secretariat In June, Director Handjiska-Trendafilova and the ReSPA team welcomed Mr. Goran Minchev, Minister of Public Administration of North Macedonia, and Maja Risova Mutlular, Head of Cabinet, to discuss strategic priorities and deepen cooperation. With over 100 training sessions and workshops conducted through ReSPA, Macedonian civil servants have actively benefited from initiatives aimed at enhancing skills, knowledge, and management practices. “ReSPA is more than an educational institution – it unites Western Balkan countries into a shared professional community. It’s a platform for exchanging experiences, building common visions, and advancing European values of accountability, efficiency, and transparency,” said Minister Minchev. |
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ReSPA and College of Europe Tirana Campus Forge Strategic Partnership Building on years of successful collaboration with the Bruges campus, ReSPA and the College of Europe have expanded their partnership to include the Tirana Campus, further strengthening public administration excellence in the Western Balkans. The expansion introduces an annual thesis award on the EU’s impact on public administration reform for College students. During the signing ceremony, Director Handjiska-Trendafilova and Rector Federica Mogherini formalised their commitment through a Memorandum of Understanding, pledging to deepen cooperation in human capital development, EU accession and integration processes, public administration reform, knowledge exchange, and digitalisation. |
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High-Level Irish Delegation Visits ReSPA |
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Upcoming events |
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We have a dynamic and intensive quarter ahead, featuring the Annual High-level Policy Dialogue, the Closing Conference of capacity-building and mobility programme crafted with Italian public institutions. Additionally, we will co-host a high-level conference on Innovative HRM for the Public Administration of the Future with Slovenia's Ministry of Public Administration. |
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23.09.2025-24.09.2025 | Skopje, North Macedonia | Thematic Workshops
Training modules on Cluster 6: External Relations as back-to-back with the EU Integration Thematic Group Meeting -
25.09.2025-26.09.2025 | Tirana, Albania | ReSPA Governance Meetings
50th Budget Committee Meeting -
29.09.2025-02.10.2025 | Skopje, North Macedonia | Summer / Seasonal Schools
Seasonal School in Digital Transformation 2025 "Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning for Public Administration" -
30.09.2025-01.10.2025 | Tirana, Albania | Thematic Workshops
Executive Training: Strategic Communication for EU Integration -
01.10.2025 | Copenhagen, Denmakr | Thematic Workshops
CAF National Correspondents Meeting -
07.10.2025-10.10.2025 | Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain | Regional Thematic Conferences
Western Balkans at the OGP Global Summit 2025 -
14.10.2025-15.10.2025 | Brussels, Belgium | Thematic Workshops
CAF Excellence Recognition Training -
15.10.2025-17.10.2025 | Budva, Montenegro | Thematic Workshops
DISPA Meeting "Future-Proofing Public Servants - Leading Through Crises While Delivering Results" -
04.11.2025-06.11.2025 | Tirana, Albania | Thematic Workshops
5th Module of Regional Academy on evidence-informed policymaking "Regulatory Impact Assessment for Effective Policymaking"
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ReSPA Team |
Empowered internally, we remain dedicated to creating a greener region.
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We have strengthened our team by welcoming two new program managers, both experienced professionals in public administration and international institutions. Jelisaveta Tasev from Serbia brings over 12 years of expertise in public administration, governance, EU accession negotiations, international relations, regional cooperation, policy advising, and regulatory and policy development. Jelena Mrdak from Montenegro joins us, continuing her professional growth with a wealth of experience in public administration reform, policy development and coordination, better regulation, and EU accession negotiations. |
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Building on our successful tree-planting initiative in Podgorica last year, we embarked on a regional mission to plant at least 100 trees across the region in the upcoming period. This year, in cooperation with the Tirana City Hall, we planted trees in Tirana. |
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Blog |
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Delve into Our Blog, where we provide expert insights across various topics within the intricate landscape of public administration agenda issues. |
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Interoperability: Unlocking the Full Potential of Digitalized Services Stefan DEDOVIC, Research Associate at KU Leuven Public Governance Institute and PhD Scholar at the University of Tartu - Center for IT Impact Studies |
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