Developing Capacities for Reform Agenda Implementation in the Western Balkans
As part of the EU-funded project "Structural Reforms Better Integrated Within Fiscal Frameworks" (FISR2), we have reinforced our commitment to supporting EU candidate and potential candidate countries with two recent workshops held in Podgorica, Montenegro, and Belgrade, Serbia. These events were designed to support the initiation of the Reform Agenda (RA) implementation process, a critical component of the EU’s Reform and Growth Facility (RGF) for the Western Balkans.
In Podgorica, the focus was on guiding participants through the coordination mechanisms necessary for successful RA implementation. The workshop covered the process of translating RA agreements into concrete, actionable plans, ensuring that Montenegro is well-prepared for the first reporting phase, scheduled for 2024. Participants were introduced to methodologies for developing a robust coordination plan and integrating the efforts of sectoral ministries into the wider national framework.
Meanwhile, in Belgrade, the event provided Serbian RA coordination teams with the tools needed to meet compliance and reporting expectations, essential for Serbia’s EU accession efforts. The workshop also explored the experiences of current EU member states, such as Croatia and Slovenia, offering insights that could enhance Serbia's approach to RA implementation and reporting.
These workshops are part of an ongoing series, with additional events planned for other project beneficiaries. A key resource introduced during the workshops is the newly released comprehensive note outlining the essential steps and requirements for implementing the RGF, offering crucial insights based on the RGF Regulation, Facility Agreement, Loan Agreement, and recommendations from CEF experts. This resource provides essential guidance for ensuring the successful implementation of the RA across the Western Balkans.