Newsletter #7

May - August 2026

Dear Reader,

Welcome to the seventh edition of the ReSPA Newsletter, covering four months of ambition, momentum and growing regional cooperation. From the strongest-ever response to the Public Administration Awards and the expansion of our cooperation with Ukraine, Moldova and Armenia, to the launch of a new regional mobility programme and deepening partnerships with France, Italy and Ireland, this has been a period of meaningful progress.

Our engagement with the Eastern Neighbourhood is gaining real momentum. A growing and steady number of participants from Ukraine, Moldova and Armenia are joining ReSPA activities, bringing fresh perspectives and enriching regional learning and exchange. At the same time, our partnerships with France, Italy and Ireland are opening valuable new doors for civil servants through capacity building, peer learning, mobility and first-hand exchanges of experience.

Another major initiative is now moving from vision to action. The Regional Public Administration Mobility Programme, officially launched in April at the Meeting of Ministers of Public Administration in Budva, will begin in September. It will bring together more than 30 participants from nine public administrations working in European integration, public administration reform and digital transformation. The programme will combine executive and strategic training with tailored learning plans and job-shadowing opportunities across the region and in selected EU Member States.

Together with our valued partners from the SIGMA Programme, we have also witnessed the strongest response yet to the Public Administration Awards competition, receiving a record number of applications and an impressive range of innovative, forward-looking initiatives. These projects are more than examples of good practice - they demonstrate how public administrations can drive meaningful change and deliver better outcomes for citizens.

And there is more. Last month, we launched the EU Institutions, Bodies & Agencies e-learning course on our Knowledge Management Platform, offering public officials a practical way to understand how EU decisions are made, who the key institutional actors are, and how European rules and policies translate into action at the national level.

This is ReSPA in action: connecting people, sharing what works and turning knowledge into tangible progress.

We invite you to explore this edition and discover how, together with our beneficiaries and partners, we are building more resilient, innovative and inclusive public institutions—equipped to deliver better services and better outcomes for citizens.

Enjoy the read!

The ReSPA Team

Highlights

	Driving Transformation in the Western Balkans and Eastern Neighbourhood The ReSPA team has intensified efforts to deliver the Work Programme in full, advancing modern, resilient and citizen-centred public administrations that deliver better outcomes for people and strengthen the European perspective of the Western Balkans and Eastern Neighbourhood. Through 10 learning, networking and capacity-building activities, 8 targeted on-demand reform support initiatives, 2 mobility schemes, and 4 scholarships for public servants across the region, we engaged 208 participants, generating 414 participant-days of learning and exchange - a strong reflection of ReSPA’s continued commitment to strengthening governance and administrative excellence across the region.
	4th Public Administration Awards Competition: Record-Breaking Response Since Launch The 2026 Public Administration Awards Competition has set a new record, attracting 67 applications and an exceptionally high standard of submissions. This year’s edition marks a major milestone as, for the first time, the competition brought together also transformative initiatives from Ukraine, Moldova and Armenia. The record number of high-quality, innovative and impactful initiatives reflects the growing commitment across the region to building modern, effective and citizen-centred public administrations. The formal evaluation process is now underway, with the initial review already confirming the exceptional quality and ambition of this year’s submissions. The initiatives demonstrate how public institutions are turning innovative ideas into practical solutions that deliver better results for citizens. The winners will be announced following the completion of the evaluation process. Read more
	Opening the New Chapter of Regional Cooperation with Moldova, Ukraine and Armenia Held on 2 June, ReSPA Open Days in Chișinău marked a new chapter in regional cooperation, bringing together senior public administrators from the Western Balkans and, for the first time in this format, colleagues from Moldova, Ukraine and Armenia. The event created a space for peer exchange, practical learning and new partnerships - connecting institutions, experts and public servants working on public administration reform and EU integration. More than an introduction to ReSPA’s work and support, the Open Days marked the beginning of stronger regional connections and a wider community of practice, bringing Western Balkans experience and expertise into dialogue with the EU accession journeys of Moldova, Ukraine and Armenia. Read more
	Partnership with France: Opening Doors to International Public Service Careers For the second consecutive year, in partnership with French Embassies across the Western Balkans and, for the first time, the Eastern Neighbourhood, we are opening access for young civil servants to the renowned international short programmes of France’s INSP. As France’s leading institution for the recruitment, training and professional development of senior public officials and government managers, INSP offers participants a unique opportunity to sharpen their skills in leadership, policy-making, negotiation and governance, while gaining a valuable international perspective on public service. The initiative goes beyond professional development: it creates connections between administrations, exposes public servants to new approaches and brings international expertise back home - helping build more modern, resilient and citizen-centred public administrations and supporting the broader European integration journey. Read more
	KMP E-Learning Module: “EU Institutions, Bodies & Agencies” Designed for civil servants and public officials working on EU-related matters, this course provides a practical understanding of how the EU works and how its institutions, bodies and agencies shape policies, legislation and national administration. It is particularly relevant for professionals involved in EU fund management, strategic planning, project implementation, EU integration and accession, as well as those responsible for aligning national policies and legislation with the EU acquis and preparing institutions for accession. Participants can explore how EU decisions are made, who the key institutional actors are, and how EU rules and policies translate into national action. Through real-life case studies, interactive exercises and practical examples, participants can strengthen their understanding of the EU institutional framework and develop the practical skills needed to work with the acquis and contribute more effectively to EU accession strategies and processes. Read more

Learning, Networking and Capacity Building
Across Thematic Areas

Our team combined regional peer exchange, practical capacity building and the sharing of European practices to support more coordinated, professional and future-ready public administrations.

The programme addressed several interconnected priorities. In Policy Management, Better Regulation and Simplification, the focus was on strategic planning, policy coordination, regulatory reform and effective government communication. Activities under European Integration and Accession Negotiations strengthened the capacities required to advance EU accession, particularly within the Fundamentals Cluster, while also supporting a better understanding of EU policies, funding mechanisms and strategic planning. In Human Resources Management and Professional Development, attention was given to future-ready leadership, strategic foresight, continuous learning and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, the Digital Transition area promoted responsible AI governance, interoperability, cyber resilience, regulatory innovation and citizen-centred digital services, alongside the application of the CAF and other QM approaches. Together, these efforts supported our Members and Beneficiaries in building more resilient, accountable, innovative and citizen-oriented public administrations.

European Integration and Accession Negotiations

The European Integration and Accession Negotiations thematic area focused on strengthening the practical capacities needed to advance EU accession and make effective use of the opportunities offered by EU membership. Through regional peer exchange and targeted capacity building, ReSPA supported negotiating structures working on the Fundamentals Cluster, particularly Chapters 23 and 24, while also developing public servants' knowledge of EU policies, funding mechanisms and strategic planning to enable more coordinated reforms, stronger fund absorption and sustainable growth:
	ReSPA and GIZ Moldova Strengthen Support for Moldova’s EU Accession Through Regional Peer Exchange In June, in partnership with GIZ Moldova, through the EU Integration Support Project, we organised a two-day peer-learning programme tailored to the needs of Moldova's negotiating structures within the Fundamentals Cluster. Drawing on practical experience from Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, participants examined key requirements under Chapters 23 and 24, including justice and democratic institutions, migration and asylum, law-enforcement cooperation, and the fight against organised crime, human trafficking and cybercrime, strengthening Moldova's capacity to plan and implement accession-related reforms. Read more
	Unlocking EU Funding: Building Skills, Sharing Experience, Shaping Future Growth In May, in cooperation with Croatia's Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, we delivered a three-day capacity-building programme for civil servants from the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova and Armenia on EU policies, funding mechanisms and strategic development. Combining policy guidance with hands-on exercises and examples from EU Member States and the Western Balkans, the programme strengthened participants' understanding of EU budgetary processes, funding instruments, strategic planning and effective fund absorption, supporting smoother integration and sustainable growth across beneficiary administrations. Read more
	Regional Youth Forum “EUth Negotiators of the Future” What does it take to become an effective EU negotiator - and how can young people help shape the region’s European future? Through the Regional Youth Forum “EUth Negotiators of the Future”, together with the Strategers Institute, Partners Albania for Change and Development, and NVO Centar za omladinsku edukaciju, we are bringing together young people from Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia for an engaging three-day journey into the world of EU accession and regional cooperation. On 1–3 October 2026, at the ReSPA premises in Podgorica, and funded through the Western Balkans Fund and the European Union Joint Action, the Forum will combine expert insights with interactive discussions and a hands-on EU accession negotiation simulation. Participants will step into the roles of key stakeholders, experience the dynamics of negotiation first-hand, and sharpen the communication, collaboration and negotiation skills needed to navigate complex European processes. Read more

Policy Management, Better Regulation and Simplification

The Policy Management, Better Regulation and Simplification thematic area focused on strengthening strategic planning, policy coordination and regulatory reform, while also improving how governments communicate policies and build public trust. Through regional peer exchange and practical capacity building, our team supported administrations from the Western Balkans and the Eastern Neighbourhood in aligning policymaking processes with EU standards, improving implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and building stronger professional cooperation among government communicators:

ReSPA Brings Regional Leaders to Budva to Advance Better Regulation and Stronger Policy Coordination
In June, we brought together public administration representatives from the Western Balkans and the Eastern Neighbourhood in Budva for a high-level meeting of the Thematic Group on Policy Management, Better Regulation and Simplification. Through dialogue and peer learning, participants explored practical ways to strengthen strategic planning, policy-budget alignment, policy development and coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, helping administrations advance regulatory reform, align with EU standards and deliver more effective, citizen-centred policies.

From Visibility to Building Trust: ReSPA Launches a Regional Community of Practice for Government Communicators
In June, we brought together government communication professionals, public officials, and policy experts from the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Armenia in Budva for our regional event “Effective Policy Communication for Governments”, marking the beginning of a more connected and practical regional community dedicated to stronger governmental policy communication. Going beyond a traditional workshop, the event enabled participants to compare institutional practices, address shared challenges and launch a practical Community of Practice around ReSPA, strengthening regional cooperation and supporting clearer policy communication that builds public understanding and trust.

Human Resources Management and Professional Development

The Human Resources Management and Professional Development thematic area focused on supporting public administrators to meet rapid technological, institutional, and societal change. Through international exchange and targeted capacity building, our team promoted future-ready public service leadership, learning beyond the classroom, strategic foresight and the responsible use of artificial intelligence, while highlighting investment in civil servants' skills as essential to more resilient, innovative and citizen-centred public services:
	ReSPA Showcases Beyond Classroom Learning at the 2026 OECD Network of Schools of Government Annual Meeting In June, at the 2026 OECD Network of Schools of Government Annual Meeting in Thailand, held under the theme Leadership for Transformation, Jelena Mrdak, ReSPA Director a.i. joined leaders of schools of government, senior officials, and international experts to examine how public services can respond to rapid technological, demographic, and societal change. Contributing to the Rethinking Learning session, Mrdak highlighted learning-by-doing and workplace-based development as essential parts of modern civil service learning strategies, alongside stronger leadership and responsible AI adoption. Read more
	ReSPA and EKDDA Bring Future Governance to the Forefront in High-Level Programme on Foresight, AI and EU Enlargement For the second consecutive year, in cooperation with EKDDA, and this year with the support of ESDDA and the Special Secretariat for Foresight of the Presidency of the Government of Greece, we convened in May, senior officials and experts from the Western Balkans and Eastern Neighbourhood administrations for a two-day programme on foresight, AI and EU enlargement. Participants explored how strategic foresight and responsible artificial intelligence can strengthen governance, support EU accession, and help administrations become more resilient, transparent, accountable and prepared for future challenges. Read more
	Thessaloniki Summit: Investing in the Capacities of Public Servants is the Foundation of Better Quality of Public Services In May, at the international conference Reforming the State: Transformation of Public Administration in Greece - A New Relationship with the Citizens, ReSPA Director a.i. joined senior officials, EU representatives, international experts and public- and private-sector leaders to discuss the future of governance. The exchange underscored that sustained investment in public servants' skills is fundamental to modernising administrations through digitalisation, innovation, stronger coordination and workforce transformation, and to delivering more responsive, efficient and citizen-centred public services. Read more
	From Training Providers to Learning Architects: Connecting Regional Expertise In May, we brought Directors and Heads of public administration training institutions from the Western Balkans and Moldova to Nicosia for the DISPA meeting, “The Strategic Learning Function – L&D as a Driver of Reform and Innovation.” The exchange explored how public administration schools and institutes can move beyond delivering training to become strategic learning partners for reform - supporting innovation, leadership development, institutional transformation and successful reform implementation. By connecting regional institutions with European peers, we helped open new space for shared approaches, practical learning and stronger regional cooperation. Read more
	From course provider to learning architect: ReSPA at EGPA 2026 in Rome ReSPA took part in the European Group for Public Administration (EGPA) 2026 Conference, held from 24–27 August at Sapienza University of Rome, bringing the Western Balkans’ experience into one of Europe’s leading forums for public administration research and practice. During the session “Education and Training: Leadership, simulation and professional behaviour”, the paper “From Course Provider to Learning Architect: How public administrations transform leadership development by learning to work in the indeterminate zone of practice” was presented. The paper was co-authored by Dr. Osman Bayraktar, Valentina Ferenčak (National School for Public Administration of Croatia), Jelena Mrdak (ReSPA), and Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kegelmann (University of Applied Sciences for Public Administration Kehl). It built on the joint Beyond Classroom Learning (BCL) initiative of ReSPA and the Croatian National School of Public Administration. Read more

Digital Transition

Within the Digital Transition thematic area, our team focused on making public services more innovative, reliable and responsive through two complementary strands of work. Under Digitalisation, our team advanced responsible AI governance, regulatory innovation, interoperability, cyber resilience, and citizen-centred digital services, helping administrations turn emerging technologies into practical, scalable solutions. Under Quality Management, the Regional Quality Management Centre promoted the CAF and continuous institutional improvement, supporting administrations in strengthening performance, accountability and the quality of services delivered to citizens:
	ReSPA Brings Latest Trends in AI, Regulatory Innovation and Digital Transformation In cooperation with the SIGMA Programme and regional and international partners, we convened senior officials, policymakers, practitioners and experts across the Western Balkans and Eastern Neighbourhood administrations in Podgorica for the event “From Innovation to Implementation - Regulatory Innovation and Sandboxes”. Through workshops, peer exchange and policy dialogue, participants examined artificial intelligence, regulatory sandboxes, interoperability, open data, digital public services and institutional readiness, with a focus on turning experimentation into sustainable and scalable solutions for public administration. Read more
	ReSPA at Moldova Digital Summit 2026 At the invitation of Moldova's e-Governance Agency, our colleague Bojana Bajić participated in Moldova Digital Summit 2026, the country's flagship forum on digital transformation. Bringing together government leaders, EU institutions, technology companies and development partners, the Summit explored digital government, AI, cybersecurity, digital identity and public infrastructure, interoperability, e-payments and digital skills, highlighting trusted digital services as drivers of economic development, cyber resilience and Moldova's integration into the European Union. Read more
	ReSPA Enriched the 4th WeBER Conference: “Citizens First – A Decade of Advancing Citizen-Centred PAR” Our colleagues enriched the 4th WeBER Regional Conference in Belgrade, which brought together public administrations, civil society, international organisations, academia and development partners to assess a decade of citizen-centred public administration reform in the Western Balkans. The discussions reviewed regional progress and future priorities, reaffirming that citizens' needs, participation and trust must remain at the centre of administrative reform and the design and delivery of accessible, accountable and high-quality public services. Read more
	ITU and ReSPA Strengthen AI Governance Capacities across the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova and Armenia The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and ReSPA, with support from the EU Global Gateway initiative, delivered an intensive five-day programme on AI governance for public officials, regulators, civil society and professionals from the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova and Armenia. By combining practical learning with regional exchange, the training strengthened institutional readiness and participants' capacity to develop secure, innovative, and responsible AI governance frameworks while addressing shared regulatory and implementation challenges. Read more

Regional Quality Management Centre (RQMC)

The Regional Quality Management Centre (RQMC) within ReSPA continued to advance quality management practices across the Western Balkans by promoting the Common Assessment Framework (CAF), supporting institutional performance excellence, and introducing innovative approaches, including AI-powered approaches. Through certification processes, capacity-building activities, and regional knowledge exchange, we continue strengthening a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and citizen-oriented governance in public administration:
	Two Serbian Institutions Advance Their CAF Journey Towards Excellence Two Serbian public institutions advanced their second CAF cycles, demonstrating that quality management is a continuous process of learning and improvement. The Human Resource Management Service completed its self-assessment phase and is preparing a new three-year Action Plan focused on organisational performance, knowledge transfer, collaboration and transparent human resource management, while the Republic Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes - Serbia's first recipient of the CAF Effective User Label - launched a new ReSPA-supported cycle to reassess its strengths and further improve services for citizens and stakeholders. Read more
	Agency for Electronic Communications of North Macedonia has started the implementation of the CAF model. This marks an important milestone in the Agency's quality journey and demonstrates the growing interest in CAF as a practical framework for organisational self-assessment, continuous improvement and better services for citizens and stakeholders.
	August also marked the start of a new CAF implementation in Albania. The Albanian School of Public Administration (ASPA) has embarked on its CAF 2020 journey with the support of ReSPA and CAF experts from KDZ Austria. The initiative will not only support ASPA in strengthening its own quality management system, but will also lay the foundations for ASPA to become the National CAF Resource Centre for Albania. Through capacity building, mentoring, knowledge transfer and the development of practical guidance, ReSPA and its partners will support ASPA in building the expertise, structures and capacities needed to promote and support CAF implementation across the country.
	CAF Effective User Label Gains Momentum in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro The CAF journey continues to gain momentum across the region, with several public administration institutions advancing their commitment to quality management and continuous improvement. The Cities of Bosanska Krupa and Gradiška in Bosnia and Herzegovina have successfully completed the External Feedback Procedure and are now set to be awarded the CAF Effective User Label, an important recognition of their sustained efforts to apply the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) and strengthen organisational performance. At the same time, the Municipality of Srbac, the Legislative Office of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Secretariat for Local Self-Government and Cooperation with Civil Society of the Capital City of Podgorica have embarked on the process of obtaining the CAF Effective User Label.
	The Knowledge Management Platform (KMP) makes learning about the CAF easier than ever. Our new CAF e-learning course offers a concise, practical introduction to CAF — helping public administration professionals understand its structure, criteria and how to use it to support continuous organisational improvement. In just one hour, you can explore the essentials through engaging learning materials, videos, interactive exercises, self-assessments and reflection tasks. Complete the course at your own pace, gain practical insights you can apply in your daily work, and receive a certificate upon completion. Ready to get to know CAF? Read more

Projects with EU Partners

The ReSPA team continued to turn partnerships with EU Member States into practical opportunities that strengthen public administrations across the Western Balkans and the Eastern Neighbourhood. Cooperation with Italian, French and Irish institutions brought together specialised training, professional mobility, peer learning and leadership development - giving public servants access to European expertise while building the skills needed to drive reform and advance EU integration.

Beyond individual activities, these partnerships are connecting people, institutions and expertise across borders, creating lasting professional networks and helping administrations become more capable, innovative and ready to meet the demands of EU accession:

Capacity building and mobility supported by the Italian public institutions

The third cycle of capacity building and mobility programme with our Italian partners - the Italian National School of Administration (SNA) and the Department of Public Administration - gained strong momentum this period. Funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the programme builds on two successful cycles that engaged more than 100 public servants, combining intensive training, study visits and peer exchange with leading Italian public administration institutions.

Under the theme “Towards a Shared European Administrative Space: Italian Expertise, Regionally-Owned Solutions,” the third cycle launched in Tirana in March and continued with the Bari Module - a two-day intensive programme focused on local-level administration and EU funds project management, moved forward with two further modules:

Rome Module: Strengthening Senior Public Leadership

In June, the Rome Module put strategic public leadership in the spotlight. Going beyond formal authority and technical expertise, the programme explored how senior officials navigate reform pressures, competing stakeholder interests, accountability demands and growing expectations of both performance and leadership.

Through reflection and practical discussion, participants examined how they understand and exercise their managerial roles-and how self-awareness, legitimacy, organisational dynamics and emerging trends can shape more effective public leadership.

Caserta Module: Advancing a Digitalised Shared European Administrative Space

In July, three intensive days in Caserta brought public servants from across the Western Balkans into the heart of Italy’s digital transformation agenda. The module explored Italy’s governance model for digitalisation, the Digital Administration Code (CAD) and the roles of the Department for Digital Transformation and AgID in driving digital reform. Participants also explored the Three-Year ICT Plan and key principles of digital government, including digital-first, cloud-first, interoperability by design, digital identity, accessibility, and the once-only principle. The programme then turned to the technologies and policy challenges shaping the next generation of public administration, tackling numerous topics such as the EU AI Act and responsible AI, national cloud strategies and digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity and resilience, and more. A strong focus was also placed on AI-enabled skills and capacity building, highlighting the growing need to equip public servants not only to use new technologies, but to lead their responsible adoption across government.

Ireland for EU enlargement

Led by Ireland’s Institute of Public Administration (IPA) in partnership with ReSPA and funded by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFA), the three-year Ireland for EU Enlargement programme is equipping public leaders from EU accession aspirants with the skills, networks and perspectives to drive reform and prepare their administrations for EU membership.

The first cohort brought together 48 mid-level public servants from Albania, Montenegro, Moldova and Ukraine, working across three core areas: Economic Transition, Investment and Competitiveness; Digital Transformation of Public Administration; and Justice, Integrity and Rule of Law. Leadership development runs through all three streams, helping participants connect technical expertise with the leadership needed to turn reform priorities into results.

Second Cohort Launched: Building a Regional Leadership Network for EU Accession

From 2-4 June 2026 in Dublin, the second cohort brought together public servants from across the Western Balkans, Moldova and Ukraine to strengthen these leadership capacities and deepen regional cooperation.

Following a successful pilot phase, the programme has expanded to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine, bringing together 52 participants, broadening its regional reach and building a regional community of practice and emerging leadership network - connecting public servants who share a common goal: advancing EU accession, strengthening public administrations and delivering better outcomes for citizens. EU accession is not only about meeting technical requirements - it requires leaders who can drive reform, build partnerships and turn ambitious policies into meaningful change.

Partnership with France

Cooperation with French partners through the BRIDGE to EU Programme continued to grow, creating new opportunities for public servants to build skills, connect with European peers and gain practical insights into public administration. Together, these initiatives are strengthening institutional capacity, fostering cross-border exchange and helping administrations develop solutions to shared reform challenges:

ReSPA and French Partners Prepare Public Servants for Careers in the EU

What does it take to build a career in the European Union institutions? In July, Guidelines to a Career in the EU gave public servants and aspiring professionals from Montenegro a practical roadmap to EU career opportunities, recruitment pathways and preparation strategies. Delivered with the support of France’s Institut national du service public (INSP), the two-day programme helped participants better understand how to navigate the EU recruitment process and position themselves for international public service careers. Delivered in synergy with Montenegro’s HRMA Ready4EU training cycle, the initiative contributes to building a new generation of public servants equipped to pursue careers in European institutions - and bring that experience back to their home administrations.

Mechanisms of Direct Support

While On-Demand instruments continue to provide flexible, targeted support to ReSPA Members, responding directly to the Members’ evolving reform priorities, the ever-growing number of On-site Trainings and Workshops Mechanism confirms its practical, hands-on capacity-building directly at the premises of beneficiary administrations or within their regions. Designed to translate policy priorities into practice, it supports the implementation of the EU accession agenda, PAR, Public Financial Management (PFM), and related reform areas. At the same time, it encourages peer-to-peer learning, regional cooperation, and the exchange of experience and best practices among administrations. Mobility schemes - short-term interventions implemented in the Western Balkans and EU member states – allow public servants from one ReSPA Member (or more than one) to have the opportunity to visit and exchange with relevant homologue institutions in another ReSPA Member or in an EU member state and gain in-depth direct insights on particular success factors in public administration reform processes and various themes of interest. In total, 17 initiatives are currently in progress or in the final stage of approval/finalization:

ReSPA Supports North Macedonia in Building Its Public Administration Academy

ReSPA is coordinating a working process to translate North Macedonia’s vision for a modern Academy for Professional Training and Development of Administrative Servants into a concrete, time-bound and sustainable implementation plan. On 24 and 25 August 2026, representatives of the Ministry of Public Administration and the team of the newly established Academy meet in Skopje for their first joint working session dedicated to planning the Academy’s operational establishment. ReSPA is guiding the process, supporting the working group to turn the already agreed strategic framework and four-phase roadmap into a practical plan that clearly defines activities, responsibilities, deadlines, required resources and potential risks.

Mobility Schemes

Regional Mobility Programme with Job-Shadowing Component

Regional Public Administration Mobility Programme - From Learning to Real-World Experience

The “Shaping the Future of Public Service – Together” programme is moving from selection to action, bringing together 30+ public officials from 9 public administrations across the region to learn, connect and exchange experience in European integration, public administration reform and digital transformation. Following the completion of the selection process in August, the programme kicks off in early September with an introductory and preparatory meeting. Participants will then move from learning to practice through an Executive Training at the College of Europe – Brugge Campus in October, followed by a Strategic Masterclass in November to help them shape individual learning plans and prepare for the programme’s mobility component. The next step will take participants beyond the classroom, with tailored job-shadowing opportunities in the region and selected EU Member States, enabling them to experience different public administration practices first-hand, build professional networks and bring new knowledge and perspectives back to their home institutions.

Partnership

	From Dialogue to Action: Building Bridges with Moldovan Institutions Following the ReSPA Open Days in Chișinău, our engagement with Moldova moved quickly from dialogue to concrete cooperation actions. Through a series of high-level bilateral meetings, we explored new avenues for collaboration with key institutions driving public administration reform, digitalisation and professional development. Among our hosts were Ms Lilia Dabija, Chair of the Working Group on Public Administration Reform; Ms Nicoleta Colomeet, Director of the Moldovan e-Governance Agency (MEGA); Ms Veronica Butnaru, Director of the National Institute of Public Administration and Management (INAMP) and Ms Rodica Crudu, Deputy to the Chief Negotiator of Moldova with the EU at the Bureau for European Integration. Discussions focused on sharing Western Balkans experience, connecting institutions and identifying practical opportunities for joint learning and cooperation. Read more
	Steering Committee Sets Strategic Direction for Regional Cooperation In June, we convened the first Project Steering Committee Meeting, bringing together representatives of beneficiary administrations from the Western Balkans and Eastern Neighbourhood and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST). As the project’s principal strategic body, the Steering Committee will help guide implementation, strengthen ownership among participating administrations and keep activities aligned with EU integration priorities and public administration reform needs. The meeting marked an important step in turning shared regional priorities into coordinated action and ensuring that the project delivers meaningful results for participating administrations. Read more
	The EUPAN: Shaping the Future of Public Administration In May, at the EUPAN Directors General Meeting in Nicosia, our colleagues brought the perspectives of the Western Balkans and the Eastern Neighbourhood into European discussions on building future-ready public administrations. Senior officials, EU institutions, experts and practitioners explored how administrations can respond to rapidly changing workforce and technology demands, with discussions covering evidence-based HR management, workforce transformation, digitalisation and AI, citizen-centred services and strategic workforce planning. Participation of our colleagues strengthened connections between regional administrations and the wider European public administration community - creating opportunities to share experience, learn from peers and shape common responses to tomorrow’s challenges. Read more
	Contribution to North Macedonia in Celebrating Public Administration Day We supported the Ministry of Public Administration in bringing together public administration leaders, government representatives, and international partners to mark UN Public Service Day under the theme “Trust, Integrity and Results: Foundations of a Modern and European Public Administration.” Senior officials from the Western Balkans and the EU explored how reform, innovation and regional cooperation can build citizens’ trust, strengthen integrity and deliver better results. Participation of our colleagues reinforced ReSPA’s role as a platform for regional dialogue and cooperation, connecting administrations around shared priorities for a modern, citizen-centred and European public service. Read more

Upcoming events

09.09.2026-11.09.2026 | Belgrade, Serbia | Summer / Seasonal Schools
EU Affairs Summer Programme for Junior Professionals
14.09.2026-18.09.2026 | Paris, Brussels | Thematic Workshops
ReSPA Leadership Academy
23.09.2026-25.09.2026 | Zagreb, Croatia | Thematic Workshops
Trainers and Training Managers’ Workshop
01.10.2026-02.10.2026 | Chisinau, Moldova | Thematic Workshops
Meeting of the Centres of Government of the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkans: Performance Measurement – from theory to practice
08.10.2026-09.10.2026 | Bar, Montenegro | Thematic Workshops
Communicate Smarter: Mastering Strategy and AI for Public Sector Communicators
11.10.2026-17.10.2026 | Vodice, Croatia | Thematic Workshops
Regional Development Academy: Shaping Regional Policy, Delivering EU Funds
24.11.2026 | Online | Thematic Workshops
Webinar on careers and job opportunities within EU institutions

Indicative Programme Of Work 2026

The ReSPA Programme of Work 2026 outlines directions for supporting public administration reform, facilitating knowledge-sharing, and promoting structured exchanges with EU Member States to ensure that the region's administrations are equipped to meet European governance principles and standards.

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