The EUI and the ReSPA have signed a new partnership agreement aimed at strengthening collaboration in bolstering Public Administration Reform (PAR) in the Western Balkan region. The agreement, set to last five years, outlines a framework for cooperation between the two Institutions in key areas such as research, policy dialogue, trainings, staff visits, and internships.
The collaborative initiative reflects a dedication to fostering effective governance and knowledge exchange in the region. A recent testament to this fruitful cooperation was witnessed during the Summer School on European Integration, hosted by the Florence School of Transnational Governance. This event, attended by 24 civil servants from Western Balkan countries, aimed at enhancing governance and administrative capacity to advance European Integration.
This partnership aims to place a strong emphasis on joint research efforts, allowing for the exchange of research papers and studies, as well as designing executive education training programmes. The key components of the collaboration also include the organisation of joint events, such as conferences, high-level policy dialogues, and workshops. The potential for jointly organising training courses, presenting proposals to donors, and facilitating financial support for Western Balkan civil servants further underscores the commitment to enhancing the skills of public administrators in the region.
Staff visits and internships are also integral components of the agreement, providing opportunities for EUI master students, as well as PhD and post-doctoral researchers, to gain valuable experience at ReSPA.
Another crucial element of the partnership is the Knowledge Management Platform, through which both Institutions can exchange information on relevant publications, articles, studies, and training opportunities. This platform reinforces the knowledge-sharing aspect of the partnership, contributing to the overall goal of advancing public administration in the Western Balkans.
The Regional School of Public Administration (ReSPA), established in 2010, is a regional organisation funded by the European Commission and the Western Balkan countries. It is a regional hub dedicated to supporting governments in overcoming institutional weaknesses and public administration. In an effort to take forward the Western Balkans in Public Administration Reform, the organisation prioritises key areas such as policy development and coordination, European integration and accession negotiations, human resources management, and service delivery.
Any further information on this partnership may be obtained from the EUI External Relations Office.