16 June 2025, Tirana, Albania

The collaboration between ReSPA and the College of Europe Tirana Campus marks a significant milestone in advancing public administration excellence across the Western Balkans.

Building on years of successful joint executive programs with the Bruges campus, ReSPA and the College of Europe have expanded their partnership to include the vibrant Tirana Campus. This expansion includes the establishment of an annual thesis award on the EU's impact on public administration reform for College students.

Director Maja Handjiska-Trendafilova and Programme Coordinator Genti Xhaxhiu attended the heartwarming closing ceremony of the Tirana Campus’s inaugural cohort. The event brought together distinguished figures including Rector Federica Mogherini, EU Commissioner Glenn Micallef, Deputy Mayor of Tirana Anuela Ristani, Minister of Education and Sports Ogerta Manastirliu, and Minister of State and Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka, alongside EC representatives, diplomats, academics, and students.

During the ceremony, Director Handjiska-Trendafilova and Rector Mogherini signed a Memorandum of Understanding, formalizing their commitment to deepening cooperation in human capital development, EU accession and integration processes, public administration reform, knowledge exchange, and digitalization.

Director Maja Handjiska-Trendafilova expressed her perspective on the partnership: “By linking ReSPA’s regional leadership in administrative strengthening with the academic excellence of the College of Europe, we are reinforcing our joint dedication to transforming and modernizing governance, and to advancing the EU integration path of the Western Balkans.”

Rector Mogherini commended ReSPA’s steadfast commitment to fostering public sector excellence across the Western Balkans and expressed strong enthusiasm for further expanding cooperation between the institutions in the years ahead.

Heartfelt congratulations were extended to all graduates for their inspiring contributions to a united Europe, showcasing the continent's bright present and future through their talent and dedication.