The Regional Meeting brought together ERP and national IPA coordinators from the Western Balkans and Turkey, representatives from respective EC directorates (DG NEAR, ECFIN, EMPL), EU Delegation Offices, and CEF. It was chaired by Ms. Barbara Banki, Head of unit, DG NEAR, at the European Commission (EC) who in her opening remarks expressed appreciation of our strong partnership: “I would like to thank CEF for cooperation and setting up this event. It is our (EC’s) pleasure to co-host events with CEF. We are in virtual environment but still CEF managed to create a lot of interaction.”

The event focused on providing key officials with an overview of the latest changes in new Guidance note for the preparation of the ERPs, and gave an opportunity to review with the EC and peers from EU candidate countries and potential candidates the latest progress made. Meeting attendees also received guidance on challenging aspects, in particular in the area related to costing approach for ERP measures in face of Covid-19.  Other areas discussed included recommendations for strengthening the links between the ERP reform priorities and IPA Programming.

Besides focusing on technical subject matters of the ERP document, Ms. Jana Repanšek, CEF Director, also reminded all present about the importance of giving more and more attention to coordination and cooperation among individuals and institutions already discussed in Brussels last year. Ms. Repanšek remarked: “While immensely valuing the technical knowledge, we have to devote attention to the people and how they can put their knowledge into action and build formal and informal networks for collaboration accross the governments. Trust and cooperation are crucial for developing the ERP further. “

The Regional Meeting was delivered as part of the CEF’s EU-funded project Strengthening Line Ministries’ Capacities to Assess Fiscal Implications of Structural Reforms (FISR) and it took place on September 15-16, 2020.