Budapest, 3-7 November 2025

As part of the Regional Mobility Scheme, ReSPA supported a study visit of senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, the State Minister for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption, and the Department of Public Administration of Albania to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, organised by the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy in Budapest, from 3 to 7 November 2025.

The visit, entitled “Budapest Diplomatic Dialogue on EU Integration,” was designed to deepen knowledge exchange, strengthen institutional capacities, and foster partnerships in the context of Albania’s EU accession process. It provided an opportunity for Albanian officials to learn first-hand from Hungary’s EU accession and post-accession experience, particularly in areas of public administration reform, inter-institutional coordination, and policy alignment.

Throughout the three-day intensive programme, the Albanian delegation engaged with Hungarian officials, experts and institutions on a range of key topics, including:

• Hungary’s EU Accession experience and Coordination Mechanisms, focusing on strategic frameworks, negotiation structures, and lessons learned;
• Civil Service Development and EU Funds management, showcasing Hungary’s models for competency-based training, professional standards, and effective fund absorption;
• Innovation, Digital Governance, and sustainable Public Administration, featuring insights from the National Media and Infocommunications Authority and the Ludovika National University of Public Service.

The delegation also visited the Hungarian Parliament and the Embassy of Albania in Hungary, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how institutional collaboration and parliamentary diplomacy support the European integration process.

The study visit contributed to strengthening institutional and technical understanding of EU accession processes; enhancing civil service capacities for effective coordination and policy planning; improving knowledge of EU funds management and accountability mechanisms and reinforcing bilateral cooperation and professional networking between Albanian and Hungarian institutions.

The programme demonstrated the value of peer learning and regional cooperation in advancing the Western Balkans’ EU integration agenda. The Hungarian experience provided valuable insights into reform management and policy coherence, serving as a useful model for Albania and the region.