8-9 April 2026, Prague, Czech Republic

More than 60 senior parliament and government officials, experts and representatives of international organisations from the Western Balkans and Eastern Neighbourhood gathered in Prague for the regional conference “Strengthening Parliamentary Scrutiny and Lawmaking: Challenges and Opportunities in the Western Balkans and Eastern Neighbourhood”.

The two-day conference, held at the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, is jointly organised by the SIGMA Programme, ReSPA and GIZ, in close partnership with the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic and the Government Office of the Czech Republic, with the support of the European Commission’s DG ENEST.

The event builds on the long-standing co-operation between ReSPA and SIGMA in supporting public administration reform, evidence-based policymaking and stronger parliamentary capacities across the region. The Czech institutions, particularly the Chamber of Deputies and its Parliamentary Institute, together with the Government Office of the Czech Republic, play a central role in delivering the activity, sharing practical experience and showcasing Czech approaches to legislative planning, parliamentary scrutiny and better regulation.

Participants from Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine are discussing how to strengthen evidence-based lawmaking, improve co-operation between governments and parliaments, advance parliamentary oversight and make better use of tools such as regulatory impact assessment, public consultation, post-legislative scrutiny and artificial intelligence.

Mr Martin Plíšek, Secretary General of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, welcomed participants to Prague and underlined the importance of stronger parliamentary institutions and evidence-based legislative processes.

Mr Giulio Venneri, Deputy Head of Unit at DG ENEST of the European Commission, stressed that quality lawmaking and effective parliamentary scrutiny are essential for advancing EU integration and implementing reforms aligned with European standards.

ReSPA Director Maja Handjiska-Trendafilova, highlighted that effective parliaments and stronger collaboration between governments and legislatures are crucial for building public trust and ensuring that reforms deliver real results for citizens: “Parliamentary administrations and civil servants have a pivotal role in ensuring that legislation is prepared and scrutinised based on evidence, consultation and sound analysis. Through our partnership with SIGMA and Czech institutions, we are creating a platform for exchange and practical learning that can help administrations across the region strengthen their capacities and accelerate their EU integration paths.”  

Mr Gregor Virant, Head of the SIGMA Programme, emphasised the importance of improving parliamentary procedures, strengthening professional capacities and ensuring closer co-operation between governments and parliaments throughout the legislative cycle. Joining via video,

Ms Sandra Fuhr, Project Manager of the GIZ Eastern Partnership Public Administration Reform Project, highlighted the value of regional co-operation and peer learning among the participating administrations.

The first thematic session set the scene for the discussions by presenting the main challenges affecting evidence-based lawmaking and parliamentary scrutiny in the region. Mr Bagrat Tunyan of the SIGMA Programme presented key findings from the Principles of Public Administration, SIGMA regional studies and country monitoring reports. He outlined persistent challenges such as the excessive use of urgent procedures, limited use of ex ante and ex post analysis, weak co-ordination between governments and parliaments and insufficient institutional capacities to support legislative scrutiny.

A central feature of the conference is the contribution of Czech institutions. During the session dedicated to Czech experience, Mr Štěpán Pecháček from the Parliamentary Institute of the Chamber of Deputies presented the Czech approach to evidence-based lawmaking and parliamentary scrutiny. He explained the internal procedures and analytical tools used by the Czech Parliament to support scrutiny of draft legislation, highlighting the importance of research services, parliamentary analysis and stronger co-operation between committees and experts.

The conference also features significant contributions from the Government Office of the Czech Republic and the Parliamentary Institute on the second day. Mr Štěpán Růt from the Government Analytical Unit of the Government Office of the Czech Republic and Mr Martin Kuta from the Parliamentary Institute presented Czech experience in legislative planning, co-ordination and the use of “preliminary consultation” between the government and parliamentary committees before draft laws formally enter the legislative process.

The high-level panel with Secretaries General of parliaments focused on the practical difficulties parliamentary administrations face in planning, preparing and scrutinising draft laws. The panel brought together: Mr Davit Arakelyan, Secretary-General of the National Assembly of Armenia, Ms Gordana Živković, Secretary of the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Boban Stanišić, Secretary-General of the Parliament of Montenegro, Mr Nikola Gjoshevski, Deputy Secretary-General of the Parliament of North Macedonia and Mr Artem Yanchuk, Deputy Secretary-General of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Moderated by Ms Egle Rimkute of SIGMA, the discussion examined the growing pressures on parliaments to process increasingly complex legislation, particularly in the context of EU accession and the acquis harmonisation. Speakers highlighted challenges related to the frequent use of shortened procedures, the increasing number of laws initiated by MPs without sufficient evidence or consultation, and the limited role of parliaments in reviewing whether adopted legislation actually delivers its intended results.

The afternoon session brought together senior parliament and government officials to discuss how closer co-operation between the executive and legislative branches can improve the quality of lawmaking. The panel included: Mr Robert Vidović, Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ms Tamara Gheorghița, Deputy Secretary-General of the Parliament of Moldova, Mr Arben Loshi, Director for Research and Analysis in the Parliament of Kosovo*, Ms Julia Çela, Director General of the European Integration Service of the Parliament of Albania, Ms Irena Vučić Popović, Deputy Secretary-General of the Government of Montenegro and Mr Saša Marković, Assistant Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of the Government of Serbia. Moderated by Mr Péter Vági of SIGMA, the discussion addressed how governments and parliaments can improve the exchange of data, documents and analysis, strengthen legislative planning and ensure that draft laws are accompanied by better evidence and consultation. Participants stressed that stronger co-ordination is particularly important when preparing legislation related to EU integration, where large numbers of complex laws often need to be adopted in a short timeframe.

The final session of the first day explored how the European Parliament and OECD countries use evidence and evaluation to improve the quality of laws. Mr Wolfgang Hiller, former Director for Impact Assessment and Foresight at the European Parliamentary Research Service, presented the analytical tools and support services used by the European Parliament to improve legislative quality and strengthen better regulation. Mr Franklin De Vrieze of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy discussed the importance of post-legislative scrutiny and ex post evaluation, highlighting how parliaments can use these tools to determine whether adopted laws have achieved their intended objectives. The session was moderated by Ms Nataliia Gnydiuk from GIZ.

The second day of the conference continued with discussions on better regulation, legislative planning, staff professionalisation and the use of artificial intelligence in parliamentary work. Mr Daniel Trnka, Deputy Head of the OECD Regulatory Policy Division, will present the findings of the OECD 2025 Better Regulation Practices Across the EU study and discuss how simplification and burden reduction can be advanced through stronger regulatory management.

A dedicated session on legislative planning and co-ordination included: Mr Serhii Kotsurak, Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, Mr Eris Çela, Prime Minister’s Office of Albania, Mr Štěpán Růt, Government Office of the Czech Republic, Ms Lilia Dabija, Government of Moldova, Ms Anahit Stepanyan, Prime Minister’s Office of Armenia, Mr Martin Kuta, Parliamentary Institute of the Czech Republic. The session, moderated by Ms Jelena Mrdak, ReSPA Programme Manager, examined how governments can improve legislative planning and how closer co-ordination with parliaments can support better scrutiny and more effective lawmaking.

Participants also discussed the professionalisation of parliamentary staff during a session moderated by Mr Lech Marcinkowski of SIGMA, including: Ms Tetiana Topolianska, Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Mr Aleksandar Đorđević, National Assembly of Serbia, Ms Tatiana Malai, Parliament of Moldova, Ms Heghine Khachikyan, National Assembly of Armenia, and Ms Holta Nika, Parliament of Albania. The discussion focused on human resource management, recruitment, retention, training and safeguarding the political neutrality of parliamentary staff.

The conference concluded with a forward-looking session on the future of lawmaking and the use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in parliaments. Mr Franklin De Vrieze presented international guidelines for the use of AI in parliaments, while participating administrations shared examples of new technological tools used to support legislative drafting, analysis and oversight. The session was moderated by Mr Giulio Venneri of the European Commission.

The event concluded with closing remarks from the European Commission, the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, ReSPA, GIZ, and SIGMA, reaffirming their joint commitment to continue supporting stronger parliamentary institutions, better regulation, and evidence-based lawmaking across the Western Balkans and the Eastern Neighbourhood.

Are you creating transformative initiatives that improve public administration and deliver tangible benefits to citizens and businesses across the Western Balkans and the Eastern Neighbourhood? Then don’t wait. Step forward. Apply. Lead the change!

ReSPA and SIGMA invite public administration champions from the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova, and Armenia to showcase their most impactful initiatives - and gain recognition that goes beyond borders.

We are looking for bold, forward-thinking, and user-focused initiatives that deliver real results through:

• Digital transformation and technological innovation
• Administrative simplification and smarter procedures
• Inclusive, user-centred public services
• Community engagement and local impact
• Data-driven and evidence-based decision-making

We want impact you can prove. Change people can feel. Results that matter!

Priority will be given to initiatives that clearly demonstrate:

• Measurable achievements and tangible outcomes
• Improved quality, accessibility, and efficiency of services
• Strong contributions to transparency, participation, inclusion, and integrity
• Innovation—especially digital and tech-driven solutions

If your work is improving lives - this is your moment. Don’t keep it quiet. Show it. Share it. Scale it.

Key Dates to Remember:

• Info Session 1: 15 April 2026 – 10 AM ZOOM LINK
• Info Session 2: 4 May 2026 – 10 AM ZOOM LINK
• Application Deadline: 30 June 2026 (23:59 CET)

Winners will receive:

• Tailored learning journeys
• Participation in peer learning events
• Trophies and certificates
• Regional visibility and recognition

Whether you’ve revolutionised digital public services, cut red tape for businesses, designed inclusive solutions for vulnerable groups, empowered citizens through community-driven governance, or modernised systems with real-life impact, this is your chance to stand out.

Be Recognised. Be Shared. Be an Inspiration!

Inspire a region. Shape the future of public administration!

Apply now – HERE   

Learn more about the PA Awards 2026 – HERE   

26 March 2026, ReSPA Premises

Director Handjiska-Trendafilova and the ReSPA team hosted a delegation of the European Commission’s DG ENEST on 26 March 2026 at ReSPA premises.

The delegation was led by Mr Thomas Hagleitner, Head of Unit A.1- Enlargement Strategy and Coordination at DG ENEST, and included Vasyl Zubaka, DG ENEST Policy Officer, and Bernard Brunet, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of European Union to Montenegro.

The meeting served as a platform for exchanging the latest developments and priorities on both sides, while also preparing the ground for the upcoming Meeting of the Ministers of Public Administration within the Berlin Process hosted by Montenegro on 21 April and ReSPA’s High-Level Ministerial Policy Dialogue planned for November 2026.

During the meeting, the ReSPA team highlighted key programmatic priorities for the coming period. Particular emphasis was placed on the further development of on-demand horizontal activities tailored to the needs of public administrations, as well as on the strengthening of the regional mobility scheme.

Thomas Hagleitner reiterated the European Commission’s strong support for ReSPA work. .

“The continued support of the European Commission is a strong endorsement of ReSPA’s mission and future direction. As we enter a new phase of our development, we remain committed to providing innovative, on-demand support to public administrations, strengthening regional mobility and creating more opportunities for cooperation and exchange. Together with the European Commission, we will continue bringing the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova and Armenia closer to the shared European Administrative Space,” underlined Director Handjiska-Trendafilova.

23–27 March 2026, Paris, France

At this year’s OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum 2026, integrity was no longer discussed as just a safeguard - it emerged as a powerful driver of performance, resilience, and innovation.

Bringing together leaders from across sectors, the Forum explored how robust enforcement, smart governance, and data-driven integrity systems can do more than prevent corruption - they can enhance decision-making, strengthen trust, and unlock sustainable economic growth.

For the first time, ReSPA placed the Western Balkans firmly on the global integrity map, showcasing a region that is not only reforming - but delivering.

Under the theme: “From Public Sector Integrity to Business Sector Sustainability”, regional representatives demonstrated how integrity reforms are shaping more efficient administrations and more competitive economies.

The session featured concrete, experience-based insights from across the region:

• Duško Drakić, Director, Anti-Corruption Agency, Montenegro, highlighted how Montenegro is embedding integrity across every public institution - through systematic integrity plans, strong coordination, and measurable impact on public ethics.
• Marcela Kërëku, Director of Integrity, Oversight, Administrative and Judicial Claims, Department of Public Administration, Albania, presented Albania’s approach to integrity training, showcasing how modern learning tools and online courses are strengthening civil servants’ ethical capacities.
• Ninoslav Kekić, Deputy Director, Public Policy Secretariat, Serbia, connected the dots between administrative simplification and integrity, demonstrating how smarter procedures directly benefit the business environment.
• Pavle Radovanović,  Vice President of the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro,  brought in the private sector perspective, underlining what businesses truly need: transparent, efficient, and predictable public administration.

The discussion made one thing clear - integrity in the Western Balkans is no longer theoretical. It is practical, measurable, and impactful:

• Reforms that deliver real results in public administration
• Ethics embedded through training and systems, not just policies
• Administrative simplification powered by integrity principles
• Stronger investor confidence and economic growth driven by trust

The session sent a strong message to the global audience: The Western Balkans are not just catching up - they are contributing solutions.

By linking integrity with performance, innovation, and business sustainability, ReSPA demonstrated that good governance is not a constraint - it is a competitive advantage.

Integrity, when done right, doesn’t just protect systems - it transforms them.

17–18 March 2026, Belgrade, Serbia

ReSPA brought together representatives of the Western Balkans and Eastern Neighbourhood for the Digital Governance and Open Government Forum and Digital Transformation Working Group Meeting to advance regional dialogue and practical cooperation at the intersection of digital transformation, transparency, and open government.

The two-day Forum served as a policy-to-practice platform to strengthen the link between open government commitments and digital transformation reforms, and to promote the use of data, digital tools, and artificial intelligence to enhance transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and public integrity in public administration.

Policymakers, practitioners, Open Government Partnership contact points, Digital Transformation Working Group members, and international partners reflected on common priorities and exchanged experiences on building more open, inclusive, and innovative public administrations.

Mr Mauro di Veroli from the EU Delegation to Serbia, Ms Sandra Pernar (Open Government Partnership), and Ms Bojana Bajic (ReSPA) set the stage for discussions on regional digital transformation and open government priorities.

Mr Mauro di Veroli opened the Forum by highlighting the EU’s continued support to digital transformation and open government reforms in the Western Balkans, emphasising the importance of transparency, institutional capacity, and alignment with EU standards

Ms Sandra Pernar set the stage from the Open Government Partnership perspective, underscoring the critical role of open government principles in ensuring that digital transformation delivers greater accountability, citizen participation, and trust in public institutions

A keynote speaker, Mr Samo Zorc, elaborated on the evolving role of artificial intelligence and open data in modern public administration, while the keynote speaker, Mr Luukas Ilves, provided forward-looking perspectives on agentic AI and the future of digital government.

The first day, dedicated to Strategic Alignment and Policy Frameworks, focused on how open government reforms can be better aligned with digital transformation agendas. In the session “Aligning Open Government and Digital Transformation Reforms,” Mr Ales Veršić explored regional and global trends, the synergies between open government and national reforms, and links with the legal framework, while participants discussed the main challenges and opportunities in this evolving field.

Participants got acquainted with the ReSPA Programme of Work and Support, highlighting the organisation’s role in supporting public administrations in advancing digital governance and accountability.

A session on “Digitalization of Making & Monitoring Open Government Commitments”  led by Ms. Sarah Kennedy, focused on digital governance and public sector transformation, shedding the light on digital co-creation, including the use of open parliament platforms, online consultations, and e-participation tools to design more inclusive and transparent commitments, as well as digital monitoring and reporting systems that help track progress, publish updates, and strengthen accountability in implementing OGP Action Plans.

The Forum turned to open data as a foundation for transparency and participation, where Kennedy examined the transition from political commitment to institutional action, with a focus on ensuring sustainable open data publication in practice. Contributing to the session, Mr Aleš Veršić presented the Slovenian experience in data stewardship and the establishment and coordination of a network of data stewards in the public sector, while Ms Andreja Gluščević shared insights linking open data and citizen engagement. Discussions encompassed the institutional mechanisms, coordination frameworks, and the practical conditions needed to advance open data reforms across administrations.

The final session of Day 1, “Citizen Participation in the Digital Age,” featured Miloš Đinđić, Program Manager and Senior Researcher at the European Policy Centre (CEP) who addressed digital tools for active citizen participation, with particular attention to the design, functionalities, and key aspects of public consultation portals in the Western Balkans, providing a regional perspective on how technology can support more meaningful public engagement.

The second day, focused on Innovation, AI, and Practical Implementation, shifted attention from strategic alignment to concrete governance models and practical tools. A session on “Artificial Intelligence for Transparency and Public Integrity – Governance and Policy Frameworks,” led by Mr Samo Zorc, examined how AI can support transparency and integrity while requiring sound governance and clear policy safeguards.

Mr Luukas Ilves led the session “Agentic AI and Open Government: Shaping the Next Generation of Digital Governance,” exploring how AI-driven, autonomous systems can transform public administration by enabling more adaptive, proactive, and citizen-centric services, while emphasising the need for strong governance, transparency, and human oversight

Followed by the session “Artificial Intelligence for Transparency and Public Integrity - Practical Use Cases and Implementation,” delivered by Ms Sarah Kennedy, who focused on how AI can be operationalised in the public sector to support improved decision-making, monitoring, and service delivery.

A session on “Data Governance, Trust and Accountability,” led by Mr Aleš Veršić, guided participants through discussions on data stewardship and data spaces, highlighting the importance of trust, accountability, and responsible governance in the use and sharing of public-sector data.

Mr Ales Veršić and Mr Samo Zorc jointly lead the session “From Strategy to Implementation,” focusing on the framework of data strategy and the development of an action plan for open data, supporting participants in translating strategic concepts into more actionable approaches for implementation within their administrations.

The final session, “Education, Cooperation and Next Steps,” moderated by Bojana Bajić from ReSPA, explored opportunities for continued regional capacity building, stronger peer exchange through the Digital Transformation Working Group, and better use of ReSPA’s Knowledge Management Platform as a regional repository of key transparency and accountability platforms.

The Forum reaffirmed ReSPA’s commitment to supporting administrations in building digital governance systems that are not only innovative but also transparent, participatory, and accountable to citizens.

13 March 2026, Skopje, North Macedonia

The Municipality of Gjorche Petrov marked an important milestone in its quality management journey today, as Director Handjiska Trendafilova handed over the CAF “Effective User” Certificate to Mayor Aleksandar Stojkovski, recognising the municipality’s strong and sustained commitment to excellence in public administration.

The event addresses by Mayor Aleksandar Stojkovski, Director Maja Handjiska Trendafilova, Emilija Georgieva Gjoshevski, National Coordinator for Quality Management, and Thomas Prorok (KDZ Austria), who all underlined the importance of quality management as a driver of stronger institutions, better services, and greater trust between public administrations and citizens.

The certification process was conducted by ReSPA’s Regional Quality Management Centre (RQMC), confirming the Municipality of Gjorche Petrov as an institution that has demonstrated continuity, institutional maturity, and a strategic commitment to improvement.

By receiving this label, the Municipality of Gjorche Petrov joins a growing community of institutions that are transforming quality standards into concrete results for citizens. The recognition reflects not only technical achievement, but also leadership, vision, and the determination to build an administration that is transparent, accountable, and truly citizen-oriented.

As Director Handjiska Trendafilova emphasised,“This label is a public recognition of quality, transparency, and citizen-oriented administration.” Her message highlighted the broader significance of the award: every investment in quality management is also an investment in public trust, stronger governance, and more responsive institutions.

The Municipality’s ISO 9001:2015 certification, along with the completion of CAF cycles in 2016 and 2024, further confirms its long-term and systematic approach to governance reform and service delivery. These achievements demonstrate that institutional excellence is built through commitment, consistency, and the shared efforts of dedicated teams.

ReSPA extends its sincere appreciation to EFAC experts Julijana Nikolovska and Aleksandra Gichevska, as well as to Nadica Mushjan for her dedicated coordination within the Municipality. Special thanks also go to Thomas Prorok, Phili Parzer and Aleksandra Schantl from KDZ, and expert Igor Markovski for their valuable support through the BACID III project. ReSPA also warmly acknowledges Emilija Georgieva Gjoshevski, National CAF Correspondent for North Macedonia, for her important contribution to this process.

Congratulations to Mayor Aleksandar Stojkovski and the entire team of the Municipality of Gjorche Petrov for this well-deserved recognition. Their achievement stands as an inspiring example of how committed leadership and a culture of quality can help shape modern, effective, and citizen-oriented local government.

Skopje, North Macedonia, 10–11 March 2026

Senior representatives of public service training institutions, public administrations and international partners gathered in Skopje for the regional meeting “Building Capacities of Training Institutions for Public Servants,” jointly organised by the ReSPA, the Ministry of Public Administration of North Macedonia, the French Embassy in Skopje and the Centre for Change Management. The event provided a platform for peer exchange on how to strengthen training systems for public servants and support more professional, resilient and future-oriented public administrations across the region.

The meeting came at an important moment for North Macedonia, following the adoption of the new Law on Professional Development and Training of Administrative Servants, which foresees the establishment of a national Academy for Professional Development and Training of Administrative Servants within the Ministry of Public Administration. Participants explored how training institutions can be positioned to respond to evolving administrative needs, ensure quality and sustainability, and contribute to broader public administration reform and EU integration processes.

The opening session featured remarks by Goran Minchev, Minister of Public Administration of North Macedonia; Director Maja Handjiska-Trendafilova, Ben Nupnau, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of North Macedonia; H.E. Christophe Le Rigoleur, Ambassador of France to North Macedonia; and Iskra Belcheva Ristovska, Programme Manager at the Centre for Change Management. Speakers highlighted the importance of partnership, coordinated reform support and investment in professional development systems that can equip public servants for increasingly complex governance challenges.

In her address, ReSPA Director Maja Handjiska-Trendafilova underlined “This gathering confirms ReSPA’s role as a regional hub and enabler of public administration reform. By connecting administrations, training institutions and partners across the region and the EU, we turn cooperation into concrete solutions. Peer learning enabled at this meeting is valuable support to the establishment of North Macedonia’s Academy - and exactly the kind of impact ReSPA is committed to delivering across the region,”

“Every seminar, every workshop, and every training session represents a step closer to an administration that is not a burden, but a true service to citizens. Only through strong human capital can we build a strong, modern, and European state,” underlined Minister Minchev.

French Ambassador Le Rigoleur stressed that “training civil servants is a cornerstone of sustainable public administration reform alongside with merit-based recruitment. By strengthening administrative capacity, we are not only supporting good governance but also contributing to our partners’ path toward closer integration with the European Union. France remains fully committed to this regional effort in the Balkans, working hand in hand with our partners to deliver tangible and lasting results.”

Mr Ben Nupnau, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of North Macedonia, underlined that the establishment of the Academy for Professional Development and Training of Administrative Servants represents an important step in strengthening the professional development system for public servants and advancing North Macedonia’s EU accession agenda. He stressed that building a capable, professional and well-trained public administration is essential for meeting the standards of EU integration, implementing reforms effectively, and ensuring that public institutions are equipped to respond to the expectations of citizens and the demands of the accession process.

Over two days, the meeting addressed the full training cycle and institutional set-up of public service training providers. Discussions focused on training needs assessment, development of annual training programmes, induction training for newly recruited staff, managerial training, trainer selection and contracting modalities, remuneration and sustainability models, training methodologies, certification, quality assurance, evaluation, analytical capacities, digitalisation and cooperation with other training providers.

The programme brought together a wide range of experts from the region and the EU, including Peter Vandenbruaene and Mélanie Recour from the Federal Public Service Policy & Support of Belgium, Charlotte Duflos from the Lille Regional Institute of Administration in France, Sabrina Bandera from the National School of Administration of Italy, Valentina Miličić from the National School for Public Administration of Croatia, Stanija Višekruna from the National Academy for Public Administration of Serbia, Dafina Dodoveci from the Albanian School of Public Administration, Dalibor Ćopić from the Civil Service Agency of the Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Zemka Striković from the Human Resource Management Authority of Montenegro. Their contributions offered comparative perspectives on how training institutions can strengthen their governance, service quality and responsiveness to modern competency needs.

A World Café session on the second day enabled participants to move from exchange to problem-solving, identifying key challenges, good practices and priority support needs, with a particular focus on the newly established Macedonian Academy. The interactive format also helped capture common regional issues and practical ideas that can inform future support to training institutions in the Western Balkans and the Eastern Neighbourhood.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of ReSPA and its partners to support professional, merit-based and continuously learning public administrations, while strengthening regional cooperation and alignment with EU and SIGMA principles. The outcomes will help shape future activities under ReSPA’s Human Resources Management and Professional Development Thematic Group, as well as continued partner support for strengthening public service training systems in the region.

6 March 2026, Podgorica, Montenegro

ReSPA took part in the CAF Info Day in Montenegro, held under the theme “CAF for Citizen-Oriented Public Administration and Efficient Governance,” bringing together representatives of public institutions and partners to promote quality management and continuous performance improvement in public administration.

The event was opened by Marash Dukaj, Minister of Public Administration of Montenegro, and marked by the ceremonial signing of an agreement between the Ministry and the Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Disputes, reaffirming a shared commitment to stronger inter-institutional cooperation and more citizen-focused service delivery.

Speaking at the event, Slaven Bukarica, ReSPA Quality Management Officer, highlighted the key role of the Regional Quality Management Centre (RQMC) in supporting the introduction of the CAF in Montenegro. Thanks to this support, the Ministry became the first ministry in the country to be certified as an Effective CAF User, marking an important step forward in strengthening quality management practices in public administration.

Bukarica underlined that, since its establishment in 2021, the RQMC has grown into a regional driver of excellence, supporting institutions across the Western Balkans in improving internal processes, strengthening teamwork, and delivering better services to citizens.

“What began as a vision with the establishment of the RQMC in 2021 has today become a regional force for improving processes and public services. To date, CAF has been introduced in more than 20 institutions at both central and local levels across the region, while over 35 External Feedback Actors have been trained to further support CAF implementation in their respective administrations. In addition, more than 15 institutions have been awarded the Effective CAF User label. These results clearly show that CAF has become a practical tool for excellence in public administration. Through CAF, we are not only raising quality management standards across the region, but also fostering a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement within public administration teams — the true path toward excellence in their work and better services for citizens,” said Bukarica.

Looking ahead, ReSPA will soon launch online CAF implementation tools, making CAF implementation faster, more accessible, and more cost-effective for institutions across the Western Balkans and the Eastern Neighbourhood.

By digitalising this process, ReSPA aims to further accelerate the uptake of quality management tools and bring public administrations in the region closer to the highest standards of excellence, efficiency, and citizen-centred governance.

5 March 2026, Tirana, Albania

ReSPA and its Italian partners today launched the third cycle of the Public Servants’ Capacity Building & Mobility Programme (Programme 3.0), reaffirming a long-standing partnership in support of public administration reform and European integration across the Western Balkans.

Implemented by ReSPA in partnership with the Italian National School of Administration (SNA) and financed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Programme 3.0 continues to invest in stronger administrative capacities, leadership, and reform implementation, contributing to the gradual integration of the Western Balkans into the European Administrative Space.

Held under the theme “Towards a shared European administrative space – Italian expertise, regionally-owned solutions,” the launch brought together senior representatives of Western Balkan administrations, Italian institutions, and EU partners to reflect on reform priorities and expectations for the new programme cycle.

In her opening address, Adea Pirdeni, Minister of State of Albania for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption, stressed the strategic importance of investing in civil servants as key drivers of reform: “Strengthening the professionalism, integrity, and capacity of public administrations is essential both for delivering quality services to citizens as its own goal and for advancing our transformative European integration agenda across the region. We are confident this platform will, for the third year in a row, continue to support our administrations in translating our reform priorities into tangible, lasting results.”

Director Maja Handjiska-Trendafilova underlined the added value of the partnership with Italy and the programme’s regional impact: “The first two cycles of the Programme confirmed that sustained cooperation, peer learning, and shared European values deliver tangible results. With the third cycle, we build on this success to further support targeted reforms, leadership development, and the readiness of Western Balkan administrations to operate within the shared European Administrative Space.”

The event also featured interventions by H.E. Marco Alberti, Ambassador of Italy to Albania, who underlined that leadership is about nurturing civil servants to thrive and strengthening institutions. In today’s fast-moving environment, he noted, speed has become a new currency for delivering reforms.

Amb. Massimo Gaiani, Head of European and International Affairs at SNA, stressed the importance of competence: “Leadership cannot be achieved without competence and skills.” In that spirit, he highlighted SNA’s and ReSPA’s shared commitment to empowering civil servants across the Western Balkans with the capabilities needed to join the European administrative space.

Francesco Leone, Diplomatic Adviser to the Minister, Italian Ministry of Public Administration, praised ReSPA’s outstanding work, noting that it is the Ministry’s most significant strategic partner. He emphasized that, through this partnership, the third cycle will continue to bring Western Balkan public administrations closer to the EU, supported by a comprehensive and forward-looking programme.

Professor David Natali (SNA) presented Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, offering practical insights into reform coordination and implementation mechanisms. A panel discussion moderated by Jelisaveta Tasev (ReSPA) provided a platform to discuss the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, focusing on governance coordination, reform delivery, and institutional communication, with contributions from Lorela Simoni (SASPAC Albania), Krisela Hackaj (Cooperation and Development Institute), and Bojana Bajić (ReSPA).

Jelena Mrdak (ReSPA) presented the structure of Programme 3.0, organised around three thematic streams: Digital Transformation of Public Services, Strengthening Local-Level Administrations and EU Funds Project Management and Leadership for Public Sector Transformation. These streams are complemented by an on-demand technical assistance facility, providing tailored support to participating administrations.

The launching event concluded with interactive discussions, enabling participants to exchange priorities and expectations and contribute to shaping the programme’s implementation in the months ahead.

3-4 March 2026, Zagreb, Croatia

ReSPA, Croatian National School of Public Administration (NSPA), and UNESCO, hosted training on “AI and Digital Skills in Public Administration and a Pilot Assessment”, reflecting the growing demand from administrations in the Western Balkans (WB), Ukraine, Moldova and Armenia for practical, reform-oriented support in integrating artificial intelligence into public sector governance.

Opening remarks were delivered by Ms Bojana Bajić, Digitalisation and Innovation Officer at ReSPA; Mr Ivan Lakoš, Acting Director General of the Directorate for Digital Society Development and Strategic Planning at the Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation; and Ms Valentina Miličić, Assistant Director of the National School for Public Administration. The speakers reflected on AI-driven public sector transformation in the Western Balkans and the Eastern Neighbourhood, emphasising the role of public servants in driving responsible AI adoption and highlighting why AI is no longer an IT topic, but a strategic leadership and governance issue that requires institutional ownership, clear accountability, and informed decision-making at all levels of public administration.

Bojana Bajić underlined the practical focus of the initiative, noting: “Our objective is to move administrations from abstract discussions on artificial intelligence to concrete, informed action. AI governance is not about technology alone - it is about people, skills, values, and institutions. Through this programme, we are supporting public administrations to realistically assess where they stand, identify priority gaps, and build the capacities needed to use AI responsibly and in the public interest.”

The training translated learning into tangible outcomes, including completing pilot AI self-assessments, identifying institutional and regional skills gaps, and drafting AI introduction and capacity-building action plans. Consolidated findings will be presented at a regional online event in November 2026, offering an evidence base to inform upcoming reform efforts and donor-funded programmes across the Western Balkans and Eastern Neighbourhood.

The first day of programme focuses on strengthening foundational knowledge and establishing a shared baseline for institutional readiness, including ReSPA experts - Mr Vedran Antoljak who elaborated on “What AI Is Today”, and Mr Matej Vuk who elaborated constrains and risks in public administration, explaining AI concepts in accessible language and addressing realistic use cases, data requirements, and risks related to privacy, bias, security, and accountability. Interactive exercises. Ms Anne-Lise Tan (UNESCO / University of Oxford) presented the UNESCO AI Competency Framework - a strategic tool for workforce planning and institutional development, clarifying the distinction between user-level AI skills, analytical capacities, and managerial and leadership competencies, as well as introducing the UNESCO AI MOOC as a complementary learning resource.

Mr Pavel Ivanov, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Institute of Public Administration (IPA), presented the AI Readiness and Institutional Self-Assessment and AI Index methodology, explaining how these tools support administrations in systematically evaluating their preparedness for AI adoption. He highlighted the value of evidence-based assessment in moving beyond ad-hoc experimentation towards structured, comparable, and policy-relevant insights. By linking organisational capacities, governance arrangements, data readiness, and skills development, the methodology enables institutions to identify realistic priorities, benchmark progress over time, and inform strategic decisions on AI governance and capacity-building investments.

Through facilitated breakout work, institutions mapped existing AI-related competences and practices, identified strengths, and defined priority gaps in a peer-learning environment.

The second day moves from analysis to prioritisation and implementation, where participants complete and validate their self-assessments, exchange experiences across administrations, and identify shared regional challenges. Building on assessment results, Mr Vedran Antoljak facilitated a session on defining strategic AI priorities, helping participants distinguish between exploratory initiatives and use cases with clear public value.

Marija Grga (NSPA) presented Croatia’s AI Index results, demonstrating how evidence-based assessment can inform AI governance choices, institutional reforms, and targeted capacity-building investments, focusing on AI governance models, institutional roles and responsibilities, and good practices, as well as on building AI competencies of public servants and harnessing AI for learning and development.

The programme will conclude with a hands-on workshop on developing institutional AI introduction and capacity-building action plans, resulting in draft, institution-specific roadmaps.