About this learning event

Building on over two decades of partnership, the 2025 CEF-CIPFA conference will be the fifth joint public finance conference hosted by the two organizations in southeast Europe. This year, we welcome the opportunity to partner with the European Commission Representation in Croatia. The conference theme will bring together leading public finance professionals, policymakers, and civil society representatives from across Southeast Europe. Through expert-led discussions and real-world case studies, we will explore how strong PFM systems enhance transparency, accountability, and ultimately, public trust.

Key sessions of the conference will focus on: 

• European perspectives on public trust and governance
• The role of financial mechanisms in structural reforms
• Audit perspectives on ensuring value for money
• Civil society engagement in public finance

During the conference, participants will explore how robust public financial management (PFM) systems strengthen transparency, accountability, and public trust. Through expert insights and real-world case studies, they will:

• Understand the link between PFM and public trust
• Examine European approaches to governance and financial accountability
• Assess the role of financial mechanisms in driving structural reforms
• Enhance audit and oversight practices to ensure value for money
• Engage civil society in public finance decision-making
• Apply lessons from practical case studies

Faculty

• Bernard Brunet, CEF expert
• Alexandre Ciconello, International Budget Partnership
• Albana Gjinopulli, Ministry of Finance, Albania
• Khalid Hamid, CIPFA International Director
• Hana Huzjak, European Commission, Representation in Croatia
• Ivan Ignjatov, North Macedonia
• Imelin Imsirovic, Ministry of Finance, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Nermin Kujovic, International Budget Partnership
• Mark Lowcock, CIPFA Incoming President
• Ivana Maletic, European Court of Auditors
• Marina Mandac, Agency for the Audit of European Union Programmes Implementation System
• Jelena Misita, Chair of PAODAG at IFAC
• Gorica Nikolovska, State Audit Office, North Macedonia
• Marko Primorac, Minister of finance, Croatia
• Jana Repanšek, CEF Director
• Sara Sirovica Kranjčec, Agency for the Audit of European Union Programmes Implementation System
• Vlora Spanca, Auditor General of Kosovo
• Alastair Swarbrick, OCED SIGMA
• Nieves Zuniga, Independent Researcher
• Dana Wilkins, Independent Consultant

Practical Information

A limited number of participants will have their travel and accommodation expenses covered through funding from the Ministry of Finance of Slovenia. Selected participants will be notified in their acceptance letter.

Partners

This learning initiative is supported by: