Newsletter #4

May-August 2025

Welcome to the fourth edition of the ReSPA Newsletter (May-August 2025) —your window into the latest strides we are making together toward smarter policy-making, better regulation, stronger Human Resources Management, and more citizen-focused services across the Western Balkans.

In this edition, we spotlight our deepening partnerships with European Commission institutions and EU Member State administrations. Through joint projects, mobility schemes, and technical cooperation, we are not only boosting the skills of civil servants but also nurturing long-term institutional bonds with their EU peers. By weaving our region into the fabric of the European Administrative Space, we are helping cultivate a shared professional culture rooted in trust, efficiency, and accountability.

Stay with us on this journey as we continue driving transformative reforms and building a more effective, resilient, and forward-looking public administration across the region.

Warm regards,

The ReSPA Team

Highlights

Empowering civil servants: Through 13 learning, networking, and capacity-building activities, we supported over 250 civil servants from across the Western Balkans, strengthening regional cooperation and administrative capacities.
Tailored reforms: We delivered 19 customised “On-Demand” projects, directly addressing our members’ reform priorities across a range of policy areas.
Innovation in action: Our team implemented 1 mobility scheme and launched 4 e-Government pilot projects under the Horizontal Facility, bringing practical digital solutions closer to public servants.
Regional voice in Europe: ReSPA was recognised as a trusted regional partner, contributing expertise at prestigious events such as the World Economic Forum & WB3C Cybersecurity Conference, DSC Adria 2025, UNESCO’s Conference on AI and Digital Transformation, the OECD Network of Schools of Government Annual Meeting, DISPA and EUPAN Network meetings, the EKDDA “AI for Better Governance” Conference in Greece, and the Summer School for Junior Anti-Corruption Practitioners.
Celebrating Public Administration Day: ReSPA proudly joined the celebration of Public Administration Day in Montenegro and Albania, underscoring our role as a hub for regional reform.
Investing in future leaders: We awarded 8 scholarships to enable public servants to attend specialised training programmes in EU Member States.
Strengthening partnerships: We advanced our cooperation with leading institutions—including UNESCO, the European University Institute (EUI), EUPAN, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Italian National School of Administration (SNA), and SIGMA—while deepening ties with regional and EU partners to co-create impactful capacity-building and mobility initiatives.

Learning, Networking and Capacity Building
Across Thematic Areas

European Integration and Accession Negotiations

Our team has continued to equip public servants with the skills and knowledge needed for the EU accession journey. From understanding EU policy and acquis implementation, to exploring the phasing-in approach, accelerated integration, the new Growth Plan, and the current enlargement momentum, we ensured that civil servants are ready to translate these complex processes into tangible reforms at home.

These topics were at the heart of several flagship activities, including the 3rd Module of the Western Balkans Leadership Academy, the Cluster 5 training module, the Summer School on “EU Policy, Enlargement and Reform”, and the Workshop on Strengthening Capacities for EU Integration in Bosnia and Herzegovina:

2025 Summer School on “EU Policy, Enlargement and Reform”: A Deep Dive Into Europe’s Shared Future

In Budva, at the end of June, the 2025 edition of the Summer School brought together over 35 public servants from across the Western Balkans to engage in in-depth exchange, critical reflection, and forward-looking dialogue on EU integration. Organised jointly by the European University Institute (EUI) and ReSPA, with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the programme strengthened participants’ strategic understanding of EU enlargement, reform pathways, and regional cooperation.

Cluster 5 Training Module Strengthened Administrative Capacities in Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion

The Training brought together public officials, experts, and regional stakeholders in June 2025 to advance skills and knowledge across Chapters 11, 12, 13, and 22. The module is part of our ongoing series on negotiation clusters, designed to support EU integration and the implementation of structural reforms in the Western Balkans. Participants engaged with EU and regional experts on agriculture and rural development, food safety, fisheries, and cohesion policy, exploring policy alignment, funding mechanisms, and practical negotiation strategies.

After 6 Months, the “Ready4EU Programme” was Officially Concluded

The programme brought together 22 participants, who completed six tailored modules designed to prepare Montenegrin civil servants for future careers in EU institutions, agencies, and advisory bodies. At the request of the Government of Montenegro, ReSPA supported its design, providing training facilities and helping participants gain a clearer understanding of the complex EPSO testing procedures. This initiative marks a significant step in equipping Montenegro’s public servants with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute effectively within the European Administrative Space.

Training Modules on Clusters: Cluster 4 - Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity

As part of the 2024 cluster training series, we gathered 20 participants from WB6 line ministries responsible for transport, energy, and environment in December in Zagreb. With the support of the Croatian NSPA, the Center for the Transfer of Knowledge of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the participation of representatives from the Energy Community and the Transport Community, the participants engaged in learning and exchanging knowledge on EU policies, accession requirements, and milestones in Chapters 14 (Transport), 15 (Energy), 21 (Trans-European Networks), and 27 (Environment).

Policy Development and Coordination

In the area of Policy-Making and Better Regulation, we hosted a meeting of the Regional Thematic Group on Policy Development and Coordination, complemented by hands-on training in gender-informed policymaking:

Public Sector Integrity Workshop Highlights Need for Stronger Integrity Regulations

The event gathered a wide range of public administration stakeholders and integrity institutions from the Western Balkans and the EU to reflect on common challenges, showcase promising practices, and explore avenues for regional cooperation and mutual learning. Following the presentation of the regional analysis, participants engaged in interactive discussions and peer exchange panels. Representatives of anti-corruption agencies shared insights on practical obstacles and achievements, while training institutions presented innovative approaches to ethics education.

Human Resources Management and Professional Development

Over the past quarter, we continued to strengthen the skills of public servants working in Human Resources, helping them drive modernisation across public administrations in the region.

Key highlights included the Seasonal School on Talent Management, a webinar on the strategic role of HR units in public administration, and a mobility programme to the Italian National School of Administration (SNA) and the Department for Public Administration of Italy. These activities provided practical insights, fresh perspectives, and hands-on experience, ensuring that HR professionals are better equipped to shape strategic, future-ready administrations across the Western Balkans:

Seasonal School on Talent Management: Building Future-Ready Administrations
On 10–11 June in Bar, Montenegro, the School gathered 20 senior and mid-level civil servants from across the Western Balkans. The programme centred on structured succession planning—a key element in ensuring leadership continuity and protecting institutional memory at a time when public administrations are navigating EU integration, demographic shifts, and growing demands for digital governance and accountability. Across two intensive days, participants combined theoretical insights with practical approaches, equipping themselves with concrete tools to shape resilient, future-ready administrations.

Webinar: HR Units as Strategic Drivers of Reform

In June 2025, an online session gathered HR leaders and policy experts from France, Belgium, Estonia, and Serbia. With over 50 participants, the webinar shone a spotlight on the strategic role of HR units in public administration reforms. Discussions highlighted how HR professionals can evolve into proactive change agents—leading institutional transformation, supporting leadership development, and strengthening resilience in times of rapid change.

Service Delivery

Between May and August 2025, ReSPA advanced its work on digital transformation, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence in public administration through a dynamic series of high-level events, trainings, and knowledge exchanges. Highlights included the UNESCO Global Conference on Capacity Building in AI and Digital Transformation, the Conference, the Webinar on Digital Government in the Western Balkans, the Training of Trainers in Cyber Hygiene 2025, and the Webinar on AI in Public Administration. These initiatives not only strengthened the digital capacities of public servants but also fostered regional and international cooperation, positioning the Western Balkans as an active contributor to global debates on AI, cybersecurity, and digital governance: Read more
	Third Cycle Training for Trainers in Cyber Hygiene 2025: Empowering Regional Cybersecurity Culture in Public Governance Crafted in collaboration with the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C), this initiative aims to equip senior-level public officials with essential knowledge and practical skills in cyber hygiene, while also preparing them to act as multipliers of that knowledge within their respective institutions. The program is built on the success of previous cycles, offering a structured and practice-oriented approach that targets officials with a good background in IT and cybersecurity. Read more
	ReSPA, UNESCO, and Oxford's Saïd Business School Join Forces to Discuss the Strategic Value of AI for Governments A virtual webinar on “AI Competences and Best Practices of Using AI in the Western Balkans” gathered over 100 professionals from the region’s public administrations—including members of the Digital Transformation and Human Resources Thematic Working Groups—who explored global and European trends in AI adoption, the strategic value of AI for governments, and the institutional and human capacities needed for effective, ethical implementation. Read more
	Online training “Use, Processing and Protection of Data” Toward Improved Institutional Understanding and Use of Data in Montenegro In partnership with the Ministry of Public Administration of Montenegro, we delivered a two-day online training for nearly 30 public sector professionals from the Ministry and other government institutions. Organised under the eAcademy programme, the training focused on improving institutional understanding and the effective use of data throughout its lifecycle—from collection and management to analysis and application—helping administrations harness data as a driver of better policy-making and service delivery. Read more
	Hackathon “Open Data Challenge – Unlock Montenegro's Data” ReSPA joined forces with the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro, the Ministry of Public Administration, and the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro to support the hackathon “Open Data Challenge – Unlock Montenegro's Data.” The initiative invited high school and university students, startups, and IT companies from across Montenegro to apply their creativity and digital skills in tackling real-life challenges through the use of open data. Read more
Over the past months, ReSPA actively contributed to several high-level international events, sharing expertise and strengthening regional perspectives on digital transformation, AI, and public service innovation: At the SIGMA Webinar on Digital Government in the Western Balkans, our colleagues addressed progress and challenges in digital service delivery, underlining the importance of regional collaboration, digital inclusion, and investment in skills and infrastructure. At the UNESCO Global Conference on Capacity Building in AI and Digital Transformation, ReSPA stressed that digital transformation is not just about systems, but about people, their skills, motivation, and capacity to drive change. ReSPA underlined the role of civil servants, global cooperation, and Schools of Government as key enablers of sustainable and people-centered digital transformation in the Western Balkans and beyond. The 16th Teaching Public Service in the Digital Age Masterclass brought together educators from 17 countries to explore forward-looking themes such as user testing, design thinking, generative AI in evaluation, agile project management, and ethical data use. At the World Economic Forum & WB3C Cybersecurity Conference (May 2025), our colleagues contributed to conversations on cyber resilience, cross-border cooperation, and investment in secure digital infrastructure to build trust in public services. In collaboration with Helvetas and several universities, ReSPA took part in discussions on “Leveraging AI and Knowledge Management for Smarter Capacity Building in Local Government,” focusing on AI-enabled real-time learning, data-driven decision-making, and responsive citizen services. Finally, at DSC Adria 2025, ReSPA members explored innovative AI applications that can help advance public administration and improve service delivery across the Adriatic region.
	Our RQMC team hosted a PEF Network Meeting, bringing together certified External Feedback Actors (EFAs) from across the Western Balkans along with numerous guests, and also supported the Ministry of European Affairs of North Macedonia in advancing its CAF implementation, while, with the guidance of the Regional Quality Management Centre, the Ministry of Public Administration of North Macedonia officially embarked on its CAF journey. These steps mark important progress in embedding a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement across the region’s public administrations:
	PEF Network Meeting Highlights CAF Achievements and Paves the Way for Digital QM in the WBs PEF Network Meeting, attended by certified EFACs from the region and attended by numerous guests, including the representatives of the Human Resource Service of Serbia, who presented their project CAFFICIENCY, which allowed for the digitalisation of the CAF Action Plan implementation and was recognised as one of the 18 golden cases at the CAF Users Event in Warsaw in April 2025. In addition, the event was followed by the award of CAF labels to three institutions from Serbia: the Office for Combating Drugs of Serbia, the Demining Centre of Serbia and the Accreditation Body of Serbia. Read more
	The HL Panel Discussion Showcased Concrete Benefits of QM Tools, Especially CAF On 4 July, titled “Quality as the Key to an Efficient Public Administration: Benefits and Practical Examples”, the Panel discussion organised by the Ministry of Public Administration of Montenegro and the underlined the benefits of QM tools—especially the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) and ISO standards—for building efficient, transparent, and citizen-oriented public institutions. Read more
	CAF Training in the Montenegrin Ministry of Public Administration and HRMA The two-day CAF training brought together professionals from Montenegro’s Ministry of Public Administration’s Quality Management (QM) unit and the Human Resources Administration to refine their expertise in quality management and effectively implement the CAF model to drive continuous improvement and service excellence in Montenegro. Read more
	The Ministry of Public Administration of North Macedonia Embarks on the CAF Journey The Ministry of Public Administration of North Macedonia has officially launched its CAF journey, reaffirming its crucial role in advancing quality management across the country. Minister Minchev and members of the Self-Assessment Group actively participated in a one-day workshop, drawing on previous CAF experience to share valuable insights. This milestone highlights the Ministry’s commitment to innovation, transparency, and continuous improvement—key drivers of modern, citizen-focused public services. Read more
	CAF Action Plan Workshop in North Macedonia ReSPA successfully completed the CAF Action Plan Workshop at the Ministry of European Affairs of North Macedonia. Facilitated by expert Igor Markovski with support from Slaven Bukarica (ReSPA), the workshop engaged participants in shaping a roadmap for organisational development over the next two to three years. Discussions focused on fostering a progressive organisational culture, strengthening digital infrastructure, reinforcing ethical standards, boosting strategic effectiveness, and enhancing staff well-being—all vital priorities for building a modern and resilient public administration. Read more

Projects with EU Partners

Mechanisms of Direct Support

"On-demand" Support Instruments are one of the most flexible and impactful ways to respond to the evolving needs of our Members. Building on positive experiences, growing demand, and an enhanced methodology, these tailored interventions continue to drive innovation, efficiency, and effectiveness across public administrations in the Western Balkans.

At present, 19 projects are in different stages of implementation, covering Public Administration Reform (PAR), policy development, HR management and development (HRMD), digital transformation, and governance innovation. Each initiative is designed to empower institutions to become better equipped, more transparent, and highly efficient in serving citizens.

Ongoing Projects

Development of a computer programme to assist associations, foundations, and offices of foreign NGOs in the registration procedure with the Ministry of Justice of BiH
Implementation of the CAF Self-Assessment Model in five public administration institutions in Montenegro
Development of a manual and methodology for governance, internal controls, and public sector internal auditors in Montenegro
Assistance in developing Montenegro’s National Action Plan for the Open Government Partnership (OGP)
Support in drafting the Law on Health Data Collections in Montenegro
Development of a methodology for intern induction and integration into Montenegro’s public administration
Establishment of a sustainable support system for the European Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) in BiH

Projects in Final Review

Enhancement of functionalities of the online recruitment platform “eKonkurs” in BiH
The training and recommendation for use of AI in public administration with references to EU and neighbouring countries’ legislation and strategies (BiH)
Risk Management Training in BiH
Update of the internal audit methodology for BiH’s public sector institutions
Expert support for developing North Macedonia’s new National Strategy for Prevention of Corruption and Conflict of Interest 2026–2030
Training on the transposition and implementation of Regulation (EU) 2024/1183 (elDAS 2elDAS 2.0) (SRB)

Recently Completed Projects

Strengthening horizontal capacities in the EU Integration process of the Federation of BiH
Improving administrative capacities in Quality Management in Montenegro
Digital Academy training series on “Use, Processing and Protection of Data” in Montenegro
Support in preparing the Law on Archival Material and related bylaws in North Macedonia
Support in developing the National Electronic Archival and Records Management System in North Macedonia
Evaluation and analysis of the Law on the introduction of QM and CAF in North Macedonia’s civil service

Empowered Institutions for EU Accession in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

At the beginning of May, we supported the EU integration efforts of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by strengthening the institutional capacities of representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, federal ministries, and other institutions to analyse administrative structures and develop a concrete action plan for the upcoming accession negotiations.

eGov Pilots

We continued supporting public administrations in enhancing their digital services through targeted technical assistance for piloting the specific e-service. Currently, we are conducting 4 projects in various stages of implementation:

Support the Development of Individual Software Modules – Portal Open Data (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Support to the Ministry of Regional Investment Development and Cooperation in Montenegro with Non-Governmental Organisations (MIRN) for the development of e-Public Calls for non-governmental organisations
Support the Secretariat for Legislation of North Macedonia with the development and implementation of software for an electronic database for laws and by-laws, subject to alignment with the European Union law
Support Serbia’s further digitalisation of training management services of the National Academy for Public Administration (NAPA)

Horizontal Facility

Horizontal Facility provides ad-hoc support for public servants from the Western Balkans, enabling their participation in regional and international conferences, trainings, and learning events organised by EU Member State institutes, renowned schools, higher education institutions, regional partners, and other international actors.
	3rd Module of the Western Balkans Leadership Academy: Advancing Project Concepts The 3rd Module of the Western Balkans Leadership Academy brought together participants from regional public administrations in a virtual, interactive setting, guided by French experts Véronique Chanut and Valérie Darthout. During the module, participants reviewed and advanced their leadership projects, receiving expert feedback on project relevance, needs analysis, feasibility, and resource planning. To support the development of strong proposals, the experts provided a structured project template, enabling participants to refine their ideas in preparation for the Academy’s final module in December 2025. Read more
	During the reporting period, the Facility supported eight public servants in attending the EU Better Regulation International Summer School in Tirana from 18–21 August 2025. Under the theme “Get yourself going to 2029 – How to work with evidence-based decision-making in the EU?”, participants engaged in lectures, discussions, and practical exercises on topics including the EU policy cycle, strategic planning, impact assessments, and navigating the balance between politics and evidence in dynamic contexts, complemented by case studies on sustainability and finance. This initiative strengthened participants’ capacities for evidence-based decision-making while fostering cross-border learning and collaboration.
	ReSPA Hosted 20th Edition of RAI Summer School for Junior Anti-Corruption Practitioners The 20th edition of the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI) Summer School brought together 25 motivated junior anti-corruption professionals from across the region and beyond to ReSPA’s premises in Podgorica. School was jointly supported by ReSPA, the Austrian Development Cooperation, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), reaffirming a joint long-standing commitment to integrity, cooperation, and capacity building. Read more

Mobility Schemes

This quarter, through the Mobility schemes, we connected teams from the Western Balkans and their peers within the region and from the EU Member states, continuing on a dynamic trajectory:

Drafting Competency Models and Exploring Behavioural Indicators with Italian Partners

As part of the second cycle of the Capacity Building and Mobility Programme, co-created with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian National School of Public Administration (SNA), mid-to-senior-level public officials from the Western Balkans engaged in an intensive exchange in mid-July 2025. Under the programme “Towards a Shared European Administrative Space: Connecting Western Balkans with the Italian Administration”, participants visited the Italian Department for Public Administration and SNA, where they worked through two interrelated modules. The programme equipped them to draft a basic competency model for senior public service roles, while also exploring behavioural indicators that distinguish high-performing leaders.

Peer Exchange Between the General Secretariats of North Macedonia and Montenegro

ReSPA facilitated a peer exchange between the General Secretariats of North Macedonia and Montenegro, offering a valuable platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration. The exchange focused on advancing strategic planning processes, allowing both administrations to share best practices and strengthen institutional capacities.

Partnership

	High-Level Irish Delegation Visits ReSPA ReSPA had the honour of welcoming a high-level Irish delegation led by Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Mr. Thomas Byrne. The visit marked a milestone in regional cooperation, with the delegation introduced to the Ireland 4 EU Enlargement Programme—an ambitious initiative funded by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and jointly implemented by ReSPA and Ireland’s Institute of Public Administration (IPA). The programme aims to empower mid-level civil servants from the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership countries, equipping them to lead the next wave of EU-related reforms. Read more
	Director Handjiska-Trendafilova at OECD Annual Meeting: Schools of Government Must Lead the Change At the 2025 Annual Meeting of the OECD Network of Schools of Government, hosted by the European University Institute’s School of Transnational Governance, ReSPA Director Maja Handjiska-Trendafilova called for a bold transformation in public sector leadership development. Speaking at a high-level plenary, she stressed that schools of government should become agile platforms for experimentation, innovation, and co-creation—environments where continuous learning is the norm, outdated practices are unlearned, and real-world impact is the measure of relevance. Read more
	Director Handjiska-Trendafilova Announces ReSPA as Host of 2025 DISPA Meeting At the DISPA conference held under the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and hosted by KSAP at the end of May, 57 participants from 27 EU and candidate countries came together to exchange insights on public administration. During the event, Handjiska-Trendafilova unveiled ReSPA’s role as host of the next DISPA meeting in October 2025, highlighting it as a key opportunity for Montenegro and the Western Balkans. She underscored ReSPA’s commitment to ensuring the gathering is a memorable and impactful moment for the region. Read more
	ReSPA Strengthens Ties with European Public Administration Leaders at EUPAN Meeting The EUPAN Directors General Meeting brought together senior public administration leaders from across Europe to discuss the future of governance, ethical leadership, AI integration, and sustainable administration. ReSPA’s active participation underscored its commitment to advancing innovation and excellence in public administration in the Western Balkans, while ensuring the region remains closely aligned with evolving European standards and priorities. Read more
	Handjiska-Trendafilova Highlights ReSPA’s Digital Transformation Achievements at UNESCO Conference At the UNESCO Conference on Capacity Building on AI and Digital Transformation in the Public Sector, ReSPA Director showcased the Western Balkans’ progress in digital governance and innovation. Speaking in the high-level opening session on national strategies for digital capacity building, she joined global experts to explore ways to equip public administrations with stronger digital and AI competencies. The conference emphasised the urgent need to modernise services, address digital skill gaps, and foster sustainable transformation through international cooperation, marking a key step toward resilient, future-ready public sectors worldwide. Read more
	ReSPA Director Discussed Major Challenges with Leaders at the Western Balkans Leaders’ Growth Summit On 1^st July, in Skopje, the Western Balkans leaders discussed major challenges, the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and the position of the Western Balkans. Addressing the summit, Director Handjiska Trendafilova stressed: “With the Growth plan entering full implementation mode, we must double down on professionalisation, civil service reforms and administrative strengthening. That includes developing the skillsets, mindsets, and networks needed for our civil servants—including at the local level—to deliver on reforms and implement and shape EU policies.” On the sidelines of the Western Balkans Leaders’ Growth Summit, Director Handjiska-Trendafilova held a productive exchange with North Macedonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Timčo Mucunski. Read more
	ReSPA Contributes to International Conference on AI in Public Administration In mid-June in Athens, ReSPA enriched the International Conference “Artificial Intelligence in the Public Administration Environment”, hosted by EKDDA. The event brought together representatives from public administration institutes in Greece, Slovenia, Cyprus, Serbia, Albania, and Montenegro, providing a dynamic platform for regional dialogue on AI’s transformative potential in public services. Discussions explored how AI can drive smarter policy-making, foster innovation, and create more citizen-focused administrations across Southeast Europe, reinforcing the region’s commitment to digital and innovative governance. Read more
	ReSPA and College of Europe Tirana Campus Forge Strategic Partnership Building on years of successful collaboration with the Bruges campus, ReSPA and the College of Europe have expanded their partnership to include the Tirana Campus, further strengthening public administration excellence in the Western Balkans. The expansion introduces an annual thesis award on the EU’s impact on public administration reform for College students. During the signing ceremony, Director Handjiska-Trendafilova and Rector Federica Mogherini formalised their commitment through a Memorandum of Understanding, pledging to deepen cooperation in human capital development, EU accession and integration processes, public administration reform, knowledge exchange, and digitalisation. Read more
	Handjiska-Trendafilova Highlights Enhanced Regional Synergies at RCC Annual Meeting At the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Annual Meeting in Tirana, Handjiska-Trendafilova underscored the pivotal role of strengthened regional cooperation in fostering improved governance across Southeast Europe. Handjiska-Trendafilova commended the RCC’s newly adopted forward-looking strategy and outlined strategic areas for enhanced synergies: "Our work must remain citizen-centred, focusing on real gains in trade, mobility, digital transformation, green transition, and human capital development." Read more
	ReSPA Supported Montenegro’s Celebration of the Public Administration Day The event gathered high-level representatives of the Government of Montenegro, the diplomatic corps, international organisations, and the public sector. Director Handjiska-Trendafilova reminded attendees of the shared responsibility in building modern and citizen-oriented institutions: “Strong institutions are built on the spirit of public service, on leadership based on integrity and personal example – but at their core, they rely on competent, motivated, and empowered civil servants – people with strength and purpose.” This year, the Ministry of Public Administration became the first institution in Montenegro to be awarded the CAF Effective User Certificate, confirming its commitment to quality, transparency, and modernisation of public services. Director Handjiska Trendafilova officially handed it over to Minister Dukaj. Read more
	ReSPA Contributes to Public Administration Week in Albania As part of Public Administration Week in Albania, ReSPA highlighted its ongoing support for the country’s public administration reform efforts. This included backing a new initiative to train 600 public servants in the practical use of Artificial Intelligence. ReSPA also participated in the “You Are an Asset” ceremony, where policymakers, experts, and civil servants celebrated the dedication of 12 outstanding employees, discussed key legal frameworks shaping the administration, and explored the exhibition “A Walk-Through Public Administration History: Milestones and Movements.” The activities sparked meaningful discussions on the evolution of public administration and its future directions. Read more
	Minister Minchev Visited ReSPA Secretariat In June, Director Handjiska-Trendafilova and the ReSPA team welcomed Mr. Goran Minchev, Minister of Public Administration of North Macedonia, and Maja Risova Mutlular, Head of Cabinet, to discuss strategic priorities and deepen cooperation. With over 100 training sessions and workshops conducted through ReSPA, Macedonian civil servants have actively benefited from initiatives aimed at enhancing skills, knowledge, and management practices. “ReSPA is more than an educational institution – it unites Western Balkan countries into a shared professional community. It’s a platform for exchanging experiences, building common visions, and advancing European values of accountability, efficiency, and transparency,” said Minister Minchev. Read more
	Director Handjiska-Trendafilova met with Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, Ervin Ibrahimović The meeting focused on opportunities to deepen collaboration in advancing public administration reform and strengthening regional cooperation. It reaffirmed Montenegro’s strategic role in regional initiatives and its strong commitment to the EU integration process. Read more

Upcoming events

22.01.2026 | ReSPA Premises, Podgorica | Thematic Workshops
WS “Workflows and tools in the Translation of the Acquis”

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