21 April 2026, Maastricht

ReSPA participated in the CAF National Correspondents Meeting, hosted by the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA), which brought together national CAF correspondents, the European CAF Resource Centre, and key partners.

The meeting served as a platform to exchange updates on country developments, CAF implementation, and priorities shaping the CAF Network Action Plan 2026–2027. The event was opened by Marco Ongaro, General Director at EIPA.

A key highlight of ReSPA’s contribution focused on digital innovation in quality management. Slaven Bukarica presented “AI Use in the CAF Process in ReSPA and Montenegro (and lessons learnt for the CAF update)”. Drawing on the experience of the RQMC and over 20 institutions engaged in CAF implementation - along with 16 CAF labels awarded across the Western Balkans - he introduced the concept of a CAF e-platform supported by AI tools.

The presentation demonstrated how AI can help reduce administrative burden, accelerate CAF implementation, and enhance insights, peer learning, and benchmarking at the national level. At the same time, it was clearly emphasised that while AI can support analysis, synthesis, and reporting, CAF remains fundamentally a human-driven process.

Bukarica also confirmed plans for the phased development of core CAF e-platform components throughout 2026. Initial tools will be made available via the ReSPA Knowledge Management Platform. National CAF Correspondents are invited to contribute their input on deployment models, as well as legal and data protection requirements, to ensure tailored and effective rollout across different national contexts.

The meeting programme featured a range of insightful sessions, including updates from the European CAF Resource Centre, country experiences, and Italy’s CAF journey, with a focus on institutionalising national CAF centres. Representatives from the European Commission DG REFORM presented the Quality of Public Administration Toolbox, highlighting user-centricity and reform upscaling, while the SIGMA Programme addressed simplification and administrative burden reduction as key priorities for the upcoming CAF update. Tihana Puzić shared the latest developments related to the CAF update, contributing to shaping the Action Plan for 2026–2027.

ReSPA reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting participation from Western Balkan and Eastern Neighbourhood administrations, fostering regional peer learning and strengthening capacity in quality management.

Special appreciation was extended to the EIPA team - Tihana Puzić, Isabela Pușcașu, and Björn Hölbling - for organising a highly productive and engaging meeting.

ReSPA also expressed gratitude to all participants, both online and in person, including Jelena Mitrović, Hanna Tretiachenko, Kenan Avdagić, Emilija Georgieva Gjoshevski, Anna Gharibyan, Victoria Melnic, Marija Petrović, and Elda Baguca, whose contributions enriched the discussions and exchange of practices.