Regional School of Public Administration

✴️ Strengthening #RegionalProgress through the #WesternBalkans Public Administration Award Winners’ Community of Practice 👉 Public administration #champions from across the Western Balkans gathered today in Kolašin, Montenegro, for an inspiring exchange of ideas and collaboration. 🏆 We brought together #winners from the Regional School of Public Administration and SIGMA Programme Western Balkans Public Administration Awards, sparking a new wave of innovation in the region's governance. Over the next 2 days, the champions will share #knowledge, #exchange best practices, and forge #partnerships to #replicate successful initiatives across borders. 🎯 With the guidance of renowned experts, participants will gain valuable insights on a variety of key topics: ➡️ Adam Grønlykke Mollerup led discussions on #servicedelivery initiatives, offering concrete strategies on how effective regional collaboration can enhance public services. His advice emphasized streamlining service delivery processes and adopting innovative approaches to meet citizens’ needs better. ➡️ Goran Pastrovic and Tamara Srzentić MS MBA will share new perspectives on #leadership in the digital age, helping participants navigate the evolving landscape of #digitalgovernance models. They will focus on enhancing leadership and #decisionmaking skills to foster a more #adaptive and #responsive public administration. Additionally, they will explore strategies for building resilient, multifunctional teams that thrive in rapidly changing environments, emphasizing adaptability and strong leadership to drive success. 💬 Our colleagues Jelisaveta Tasev and Bojana Bajić: “We are honoured to support exceptional teams and their extraordinary contributions to our communities. Together, we are shaping the future of governance in the Western Balkans, committed to excellence and sustainable regional cooperation”. 🙏 Zajmi Uendi, Nebojsa Savanovic, Vildan Hadzihasanovic, Bahchovanovska Shoshkovska Dragana, Katerina Vragoterova, Sario Al Mustafa, Baltić Senka, Vanja Grgurović, Vujošević Vesna, Kankaraš Vladan, Dejan Ružić, Dragana Zivkovic Jovanovic, Jasmina Maslak, Radovanović Sanja, Gabrijela Mitić, Ninoslav Kekić, Kosta Malovic for great exchange! 💡 Learn more about the WB PA Awards Winners and their impactful initiatives: https://lnkd.in/e6DjYC3Z

🚀 ReSPA Empowers Regional Collaboration at the "Synergy Among Local Governments" Conference 📍 5-7 March 2025 in #Tirana, Albania   ✴️ The event gathered ministers, diplomatic core, mayors, public administration officials, civil society leaders, and international experts to discuss: ✅ Strengthening #intermunicipal #collaboration across the region, ✅ Advancing #EUintegration through local governance reforms, ✅ Supporting #publicprivate partnerships for sustainable urban development, ✅ Engaging civil society in good governance initiatives   💡 Director Maja Handjiska Trendafilova at the panel "Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Local Development" joined mayors from various cities, the Head of Coperation at the EU Delegation to Tirana Hubert Perr, the head of NALAS Kelmend Zajazi and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) representatives to explore strategies for enhancing governance reforms and regional cooperation, leveraging EU funding, and integrating best practices. Director Handjiska-Trendafilova highlighted ReSPA’s initiatives relevant for local governments, including work on quality management, WB PA award, the online Knowledge Management Platform, capacity building on pre-accession and structural funds, etc. 🎙️ “Regional cooperation is beyond just a nicety —it's a necessity for the Western Balkans. Our cities are the engines of economic and social development, and by leveraging shared challenges and opportunities, we can adopt EU practices proactively, strengthen economic ties, and invest in our human capital to drive sustainable progress. ReSPA Director also stressed the necessity to continue strengthening the capacities of local government units in terms of Human capital, also leveraging on the regional approach.   🎯 Programe Coordinator Genti Xhaxhiu moderated the high-level panel “Local Government Reform in the Context of EU Integration processes” discussing with ministers Adea Pirdeni, Marash Dukaj, Goran Mincev and elbert Krasniqi, Darko Kasap and Jovan Knežević about the crucial role of the cooperation among governments and municipalities in driving regional cooperation and achieving sustainable local development. ❇️ The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Albania Igli Hasani, and of the Czech Republic Jan Lipavský, also addressed the conference briefly, emphasizing the relevance of regional cooperation and the exchange of practices.   🙏 Western Balkans Fund, International Visegrad Fund and Embassy of Japan in Albania, for the great exchange and organization.

🤝 ReSPA #Mobility Scheme: Strengthening ties between #Montenegro and #Estonia in RIA 👉 Ministry of finance Montenegro team concluded a study visit to #Estonia 🎯 They engaged with Estonia's leading institutions, including the Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, and Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, to gain valuable insights into Estonia's #RegulatoryImpactAssessment system, #PublicConsultations, and #DigitalGovernance. 📣 Key Takeaways: ✔️ Estonia's RIA process and digital tools stand as a #bestpractice model for improving regulatory frameworks. ✔️ Strengthened #collaboration with Estonian experts has paved the way for #improving Montenegro's public consultation processes. ✔️ Practical #recommendations were made to enhance transparency and efficiency in Montenegro's regulatory assessments. 💬 Key insights from the Montenegrin team: 🔸 Aleksandra Popovic: "The Estonian model of RIA is an excellent example that could benefit Montenegro." 🔸 Snežana Mugoša: "ReSPA's support allowed us to have meaningful discussions and explore solutions." 🔸 Anastasija Perućica: "The visit significantly strengthened our capacity and provided us with actionable recommendations to improve our regulatory framework." 👆 We stay committed to fostering #knowledgeexchange and #peerlearning between the Western Balkans and EU Member States, ensuring stronger ties and mutual growth in public administration!

📚 A new blog post! 👩🏫 Author: Marija Vlajković - a lecturer at the University of Belgrade Faculty of Law and a recognized expert in International Law and EU Integration, with extensive experience, including contributions to EU-funded projects. 🎯 Marija delves into the critical role of the #RuleofLaw in advancing the Western Balkans' journey towards EU membership, emphasizing: 📌Importance in #EUGovernance👉 The Rule of Law is fundamental to the EU's identity, ensuring democracy, human rights, and legal certainty are upheld across member states. 📌#EUEnlargement and Rule of Law 👉 The EU accession process drives democratic transition and institutional reform in candidate countries, guided by the Copenhagen political criteria. 📌#EU's Rule of Law #Toolbox 👉 The EU has developed tools like the Rule of Law Report and Rule of Law Roadmaps to monitor and support Rule of Law reforms in candidate countries, including Western Balkans. 📌Revised #EnlargementMethodology 👉 Introduced in 2020, the methodology places the Rule of Law at the centre of the accession process, emphasizing the need for measurable progress in judicial independence, anti-corruption measures, and media freedoms. 📌 #Challenges and #Commitments 👉 The Western Balkans face challenges in meeting Rule of Law standards but must demonstrate genuine commitment to reforms for their own stability and prosperity and for EU accession. ❗ Finally, Marija underscores the importance of #integrity and #cohesion in maintaining the Union's credibility and resilience. 👀 Join us in exploring Marija's compelling analysis of the Rule of Law and its pivotal role in shaping Europe's future. Read her full blog post 👉 https://lnkd.in/dmQa6DDe

📢 #Tomorrow is the final #deadline to apply for the Open Call 👉 Expert to support the development of Manual and Methodology for Governance, Internal Controls, and Internal Audit in the Public Sector of Montenegro. 🤝 Join us in enhancing the #governance, #riskmanagement, and #internalcontrol mechanisms in the public sector of #Montenegro by contributing to developing a structured and standardized methodology for internal auditors — fully aligned with the newly introduced Global Internal Audit Standards.   🔑 Key Tasks: ✅ Develop the Rulebook on the Work Methodology of Internal Auditors aligned with international standards; ✅ Preparation of a Manual on Governance, Risk Management, and Internal Control, featuring practical examples; ✅ Contribution to the Continuous Professional Development Program for Internal Auditors in 2025, organized by the Ministry of Finance and the Human Resources Management Authority. 💡 If you have: ✔️ University degree in Finance, Economy, or Law ✔️ Minimum 10 years of experience in Public Internal Financial Control (PIFC) within the public sector ✔️ At least 5 years of experience in a managerial role in internal audit or internal control ✔️ Certification as an Internal Auditor ✔️ Proven expertise in governance, risk management, and internal control frameworks ✔️ Experience in drafting methodologies, policies, and regulatory frameworks ✔️ Knowledge of the new Global Internal Audit Standards ✔️ Capacity-building experience through training and workshops.   ❗ #Applynow 👉 https://lnkd.in/dmh5Gt9S and be part of strengthening public governance in Montenegro! 🗓️ Deadline: Tomorrow, 5 March 2025

🚀 Advancing #PublicServices in the Region 👉 Meeting of the Regional Thematic Group on #DigitalTransformation and Training on eIDAS and eIDAS 2.0 shed light on the current state of digital transformation, referencing Digital Compass 2030 and global benchmarks like the UN e-Government Survey, the World Bank GovTech Maturity Index, the Global Cybersecurity Index, the Global Innovation Index (GII), as well as the DESI Index and Balkan Barometer ✴️ Last week, we welcomed our WG members, RCC and practitioners from across the region to shape the digital transformation initiatives of ReSPA members, fostering regional innovation and cooperation.   ➡️ Director Maja Handjiska Trendafilova emphasizes the importance of digital transformation as an immediate priority, highlighting the meeting as a platform for discussing the digitalization efforts across ReSPA members, encouraging active engagement and collaboration to drive secure, efficient, and accessible public services through innovation and shared expertise. ➡️ Rudi Ponikvar and Miha Poberaj shed light on the legal, technical, and compliance aspects of eIDAS and eIDAS 2.0, as well as Katrin Laas-Mikko and Laura Kask on the Introduction of the #EU Digital Identity Wallet regulatory framework. ➡️ Osman Hadžić from IDDEEA showcased the eWallet project by highlighting secure, seamless digital transactions across borders. ➡️ rinols gjinaj from NAIS demonstrated how NAIS, as a Qualified Trust Service Provider, offers remotely trusted services like the electronic signature and presented the Digital Identity Wallet project they are piloting. ➡️ Vojislav Popovic from the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, especially on the pathway to implementing the Common Regional Market 2025-2028 Action Plan and gave an overview of RCC activities in digital transformation. 🎯 Bojana Bajić concluded, “By working together to implement trust services and electronic identification, we not only strengthen our digital ecosystems but also bring tangible improvements to public services that directly benefit our citizens.”   🙏 A big thank you to Argena Prendi, Arjona Bello, Rinols Gjinaj, Boris Vasković, Sabahudin Suljević, Ernest Đonko, Ljiljana Umicevic, Osman Hadžić, Petar Fidanovski, Stanislav Vasilkovski, Miroslav Grozdanovski, Deni Milevski, Dara Gravara Stojanovic, Milan Vojvodic, Višnja Dragojlović, Tamara Korsić, Danilo Racic, Marina Papović, Dejan Zarkovic for your #contributions to driving digital transformation forward!

✴️ Today in #Brussels, representatives from Western Balkans governments, the European Commission, #German and #UK governments, and the partnering regional organizations (CEFTA, Transport Community, Energy Community Secretariat, ReSPA) convened at the Prime Ministers’ Sherpas meeting hosted by Regional Cooperation Council (RCC). Discussions focused on the deliverables and implementation priorities of the #CommonRegionalMarket and #GreenAgendaforWB, alongside preparations for this year’s #BerlinProcessSummit. 🎙️ Director Maja Handjiska Trendafilova highlighted ReSPA’s pivotal role in strengthening administrative capacities crucial for the Common Regional Market and EU Single Market. Emphasizing the need for a reformed civil service, she reaffirmed ReSPA’s commitment to further enhancing its role and contribution. ❗ A reformed and strengthened civil service is essential for advancing the much-needed reforms, especially in such increasingly unpredictable contexts! 🙏 Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) for hosting us!

🚀 The CAF Effective User Family in the Western Balkans is Growing! We are proud to welcome Public Administration Reform Coordinator's Office (PARCO) and the City of Bihać as the newest CAF-Certified institutions! Over the past two days in #Sarajevo, Director Maja Handjiska Trendafilova handed the CAF Certificate, recognizing their commitment to quality management and good governance. 💡 By implementing the #CommonAssessmentFramework (CAF) and successfully completing the External Feedback Procedure (PEF), these institutions have strengthened efficiency, service effectiveness and Total Quality Management (TQM) in public administration. ❗ The process was led by dedicated public servants from across the region, ensuring peer learning and sustainable improvements. 👏 Special thanks to our CAF experts: ✅ Kenan Avdagic (PARCO) ✅ Sanja Tajisić (Agency for Civil Service of Republika Srpska) ✅ Dalibor Copic (Agency for Civil Service of Republika Srpska) ✅ Staša Sihrovski, MA (Directorate for European Integration of BiH), and our colleague Slaven Bukarica and Olivera Damjanovic (ReSPA QM expert) for overseeing the process! 🎉 Congratulations to the teams behind this success! ✴️ PARCO Team: Director Kasap Darko, Deputy Coordinator Amira Mašović, Kenan Avdagic, Nedzib Delic & the CAF self-assessment group. ✴️ City of Bihać Team: Mayor Elvedin Sedić, Dijana Biščević & their dedicated colleagues from the CAF self-assessment group. 💡 Through the Regional Quality Management Centre, we continue to drive #excellence in public administration across the Western Balkans 👉 With every new CAF-certified institution, we are building a more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centred public sector. 🤝 Together, we are shaping the future of Quality Management Excellence in the region! Find more about the ReSPA Regional Management Centre 👉 https://lnkd.in/d2nmeV4r

👆 The growing importance of monitoring human resources as a strategic element of HR management 👉 Workshop on Enhancing Human Resource Management & Meeting of the HRMPD Working Group 📍 20-21 February 2025, Naučno-tehnološki park Crne Gore / Science Technology Park of Montenegro 🔶 HRMPD members gathered to exchange #bestpractices and address the evolving needs of HR professionals across the region, shaping ReSPA's future work programme: ✅ Merilin Truuväärt from Estonia's Ministry of Finance highlighted Estonian practices, ✅ Stéphanie Juban and Marie Ollivier from DGAFP - Direction générale de l’administration et de la fonction publique shared insights from France. ✅ Blanca Lázaro from SIGMA Programme presented SIGMA Monitoring 2024 findings 🔎 Key regional HR players explored the strategic role of HR monitoring, gaining actionable insights into workforce trends, resource allocation, and performance management from #WesternBalkans, #Estonia, and #France. 💬 Ranka Bartula Musikic: It is essential to develop monitoring methodologies, refine monitoring tools and approaches, and regularly run monitoring to ensure valuable insights that help shape the future of public administrations. Through transparent HR monitoring, governments can, among others, improve resource allocation, enhance organisational performance in the years to come and strengthen public trust. 👏 Kudos to Keida Meta, Romina Liçaj, Dalibor Copic, Refik Begic, Boro Sarcevic, Samra Ljuca, Emilija Chukik, Ana Chubrinoska, @Esma Fazlikj, Djuro Nikac, Ana Zecevic, Biljana Masanovic, Ivana Savicevic, Milica Z., Snezana ANTONIJEVIC and Qëndrim Bytyqi for their dedication and insights! 👌Together, we are driving #professionalization and efficiency in public administration!

⚖️ Integrating Gender Perspectives into Policy Development 👉 A Key to Inclusive Governance! 🤝 In collaboration with UNDP Montenegro under our Memorandum of Understanding, today’s workshop reinforced the importance of embedding #GenderEquality into policymaking—an essential driver of socio-economic development and institutional accountability. 💡 Kaca Djurickovic and Marija Blagojevic from UNDP Montenegro provided practical tools and valuable insights to design equitable and inclusive policies, fostering better governance and sustainable outcomes. ✨ We were honoured to welcome Alice de Maximy, Ministerial Delegate for Diversity and Professional Equality at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, who shared France’s pioneering experiences in gender-informed policymaking during an engaging online session. Participants actively took part in hands-on exercises, applying gender perspectives to policy development, culminating in dynamic group presentations and thoughtful discussions. 💬 Jelena Mrdak emphasized: “Building capacities for gender-informed policymaking is not just about inclusion; it’s about creating stronger, more accountable institutions that truly respond to the needs of all citizens.” 🙏 A huge thanks to Andrea Merkez, Jure Zovko, Sanja Vojnović, Gordana Gapikj Dimitrovska, Mitko Aritonovski, Suzana Nikodijevikj Filipovska, Aleksandra Bošković, Ivana Radojičić, Ranko Andrijašević, Jelena Todorović, Jovana Stefanović, Predrag Simić and Alisa Feka for their commitment to advancing gender equality in public administration and policymaking across the region! Special kudos to the fantastic Naučno-tehnološki park Crne Gore / Science Technology Park of Montenegro team for their invaluable technical support!