2-3 July 2026, Podgorica

A two-day training programme, Guidelines to a Career in the EU, brought together in Podgorica public servants and aspiring professionals interested in pursuing careers within the institutions of the European Union.

Organised within the framework of the Bridge to EU programme, funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and implemented in close partnership with the ReSPA, this training was further strengthened through the support of the French Institut national du Service Public (INSP). It enhanced participants' understanding of career opportunities within the EU institutions and the recruitment procedures available to candidates from Montenegro. The initiative was delivered in synergy with the broader Ready4EU training cycle implemented by Montenegro's Human Resources Management Authority (HRMA), contributing to the country's efforts to prepare a new generation of public servants for careers in the European Union.

The event was officially opened by Jelena Mrdak, ReSPA Director a.i., Anne-Marie Maskay, Ambassador of France to Montenegro, Zemka Striković, Assistant Director of HRMA, Biljana Papović, State Secretary at the Ministry of European Affairs, and Bernard Brunet, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Montenegro, who highlighted that as Montenegro advances on its path towards European Union membership, developing a strong pool of professionals capable of contributing to and working within EU institutions is becoming increasingly important. They stressed that greater representation of Montenegrin professionals in the European civil service would not only create valuable career opportunities for individuals but would also strengthen the country's engagement with European policies and institutions.

Director a.i. Jelena Mrdak underlined: "European integration is not only about negotiating chapters, aligning legislation or fulfilling formal criteria. It is also about people - about building the knowledge, confidence and professional capacities of those who will represent our countries, contribute to European institutions, and bring Europe closer to citizens."

Ambassador Anne-Marie Maskay pointed out that “A career within the European Union is both challenging and rewarding, offering the opportunity to contribute to policies that shape the lives of millions of citizens while promoting shared values such as democracy, the rule of law, solidarity and respect for diversity. However, success in the highly competitive EPSO selection process requires early preparation, a clear understanding of expectations, and the gradual development of relevant skills and competencies. This training represents an important investment in your professional development, providing knowledge and tools that can support your future career within the European institutions and beyond.”

The training programme provided participants with a comprehensive overview of career opportunities within the EU institutions and a practical understanding of the recruitment procedures and specific testing organised by the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO). Given the highly competitive nature of EPSO competitions, the programme encourages early preparation and familiarisation with the competencies, reasoning skills and professional behaviours sought by EU institutions.

Over the two days, participants explored different pathways to European careers, gained insights into the structure and requirements of EPSO competitions, and engaged in practical exercises designed to strengthen their performance in reasoning tests, knowledge assessments, and competency-based interviews.

The sessions were led by distinguished experts from INSP. Laurence Elert, Head of the EU Knowledge Preparation Centre at INSP, and Astrid Chassé, specialist trainer in European affairs and EU competition preparation, shared their extensive experience in supporting candidates preparing for European careers and selection procedures.

By combining expert guidance with hands-on practice, the programme aimed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to successfully navigate future EU recruitment processes and seize professional opportunities within the European institutions.

The training reaffirms ReSPA's commitment to supporting the Western Balkans' European integration efforts by strengthening administrative capacities, fostering knowledge exchange and preparing public servants for active participation in the European Administrative Space.