For the second consecutive year, ReSPA, together with French Embassies across the Western Balkans, now extended to the Eastern Neighbourhood, is opening new opportunities for young civil servants to participate in the renowned international short programmes of the French Institut national du Service public (INSP). As France’s leading institution for the recruitment, initial training, and continuous professional development of senior public officials and government managers, INSP offers a unique learning environment designed to strengthen leadership, policy-making, negotiation, and governance skills in an international context.

In 2026, ReSPA and French partners will support the participation of a selected number of candidates, fostering professional mobility, international cooperation, and capacity development among public servants from both regions.

This joint initiative promotes knowledge exchange, regional cooperation, and public administration reform in support of good governance and European integration. Participants will gain practical expertise, expand their international networks, and strengthen their capacity to contribute to modern, resilient, and citizen-oriented public administrations.

About the Programme

The short training programmes combine thematic and methodological sessions with practical workshops and interactive discussions, all delivered in English. The format encourages active exchange among participants and trainers, creating a dynamic environment for peer learning and experience sharing.

For 2026, applications are open for the following three programmes:

Developing Expertise in European Funds: 6 - 10 July 2026

Accessing European funds requires much more than identifying funding opportunities. Successful applicants must understand the project-based environment of EU programmes, align proposals with EU strategic priorities, and comply with complex regulatory and evaluation frameworks. Participants will strengthen their understanding of EU funding mechanisms, project design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting requirements, while gaining practical insights into managing EU-funded initiatives effectively. The indicative programme, general information, and application form can be found via the following link.

Negotiating within and with the European Union: European Economic Diplomacy: 29 September - 3 October 2026

The European Union is built on negotiation. Its multi-level governance system involves constant dialogue and bargaining among institutions, member states, and international actors. This programme explores the dynamics of EU negotiations, economic diplomacy, and policy-making processes. Participants will deepen their understanding of European negotiation mechanisms while strengthening their diplomatic, strategic, and communication skills needed to navigate complex international environments effectively. The indicative programme, general information, and application form can be found via the following link.

Diplomacy in Transformation: Adapting to New Practices and Global Change: 30 November – 4 December 2026

Modern diplomacy is rapidly evolving. Diplomats and public officials today must operate in increasingly complex environments shaped by climate change, cybersecurity, global health challenges, digital transformation, and multi-stakeholder governance.

Organized in partnership with the Diplomatic and Consular Academy of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, this programme offers expert insights, thematic discussions, and practical simulations focused on contemporary diplomatic challenges.

Participants will develop practical skills in negotiation, communication, strategic positioning, and international cooperation, enabling them to act effectively in a rapidly changing global landscape. The indicative programme, general information, and application form can be found via the following link.

Why Apply?

This is more than a training opportunity — it is a chance to:

• Learn from leading French and international experts;
• Build practical skills for today’s governance and diplomatic challenges;
• Exchange experiences with peers from across the Western Balkans and Eastern Neighbourhood;
• Expand your international professional network;
• Contribute more effectively to public administration reform and European integration processes in your administration.

Young public servants eager to strengthen their expertise, broaden their international exposure, and become part of a new generation of forward-looking public administration professionals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the programme, applicants must:

• Be a civil servant from one of the following: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, or Ukraine;
• Be officially nominated by their administration;
• Work in:
  • the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for the Diplomacy in Transformation course), or
  • a ministry responsible for European integration, or
  • another public administration institution specifically dealing with European affairs;
• Be under 35 years of age;
• Have at least two years of professional experience related to the selected training programme;
• Demonstrate excellent knowledge of the English language.

Support Provided to Selected Candidates

Selected candidates will benefit from comprehensive financial and logistical support, including:

• Full INSP registration fees;
• Round-trip airfare to and from Paris;
• Accommodation in individual studio apartments;
• Daily allowance of EUR 120 per day (in addition to accommodation);
• Social security insurance for the duration of the stay in France.

Application Procedure

The selection process is competitive and consists of three stages:

1. Two-Step Application Procedure - Deadline: 28 May 2026

Each candidate must:

• Complete an online pre-registration through the INSP portal via a dedicated link for each course (click on ‘Apply now’ on the programme page). You will also need to upload a CV and a photo. After submission, you will receive an automated email with an application file to download, including the following elements:
  • Pre-registration summary
  • Needs assessment form (to be completed)
  • Template letter of introduction from the applicant's administration (to be completed, signed, and stamped by your administration).
  • Evaluation form (to be completed by the embassy).

• Submit a formal application request to the relevant French Embassy  (see contacts below) no later than May 28^th (please disregard any other deadline mentioned on the website).

The application file must include the following documents:

• The completed pre-registration summary uploaded on the INSP portal,
• The needs form
• The letter of support from your administration, duly completed, stamped and signed
• A detailed CV
• A copy of a valid passport

2. Pre-Selection Phase - Starting from 8 June 2026

French Embassies will pre-select two candidates per programme and inform all applicants about the outcome of the pre-selection process from 8 June onwards. Pre-selected candidates will then be invited to complete the documentation required to access financial support.

3. Final Selection

The final selection is made exclusively by INSP and communicated directly to the pre-selected candidates.

Detailed guidance on the application process is available in the attached Info Sheet for Candidates.

For any further information, please contact the relevant French Embassy, which is your main contact point: