Ahead of the launch of the Leadership Academy in Paris, the ReSPA team organised a virtual introductory session on 3 September 2026, bringing together participants and partner institutions that will contribute to this unique European learning journey.

The session was officially opened by Jelena Mrdak, Director a.i. of ReSPA, who welcomed the participants and presented the purpose of the programme, highlighting its role in strengthening leadership capacities across Western Balkan public administrations.

“Leadership today is not only about managing institutions - it is about inspiring people, building trust and mobilising collective action around reforms that bring tangible benefits to citizens. Through the ReSPA Leadership Academy, we are introducing an innovative, experiential approach that combines personal development, peer learning and direct exposure to leading French and EU institutions. By bringing together senior officials from the Western Balkans, Armenia, Moldova and Ukraine, we are investing in a strong community of reform leaders who can drive institutional transformation and bring their administrations closer to the European Administrative Space,” said Mrdak.

Designed as a journey through some of Europe’s key administrative and institutional centres, the Leadership Academy will begin in Paris before continuing to Brussels and Strasbourg. Through direct interaction with European institutions, public administration schools and experienced practitioners, participants will explore modern leadership approaches, exchange perspectives and connect new knowledge with the practical challenges they face in their institutions.

During the introductory session, participants met one another and heard from the Academy’s key partners: Paul Halluin, representing the Institut national du service public (INSP), introduced INSP’s contribution to the Academy and its approach to developing senior public-sector leaders; Simona Daniela Pavelescu from the European Commission Visitors’ Centre presented the Centre’s contribution and the opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of the European Commission and EU policymaking; Christiane Keutgens and Celia Pessaud from the European School of Administration (EuSA) introduced EuSA’s role in strengthening leadership and learning within the European public administration; Peter Vandenbruaene and Mélanie Recour from the Belgian Federal Public Service Policy and Support (BOSA) shared the Belgian perspective and BOSA’s contribution to modern public-sector leadership and organisational development; Osman Bayraktar and Valentina Miličić from the Croatian National School of Public Administration introduced the Beyond Classroom Learning model - connecting formal learning with institutional visits, peer exchange, reflection and practical application.

The online gathering concluded with a Q&A session and practical information about the first module in Paris.

By connecting Western Balkan public servants with leading European institutions and experts, the ReSPA Leadership Academy will provide participants with much more than traditional training: an opportunity to broaden their leadership perspectives, build lasting professional networks and bring new ideas back to their administrations.