Fiscal Policy Making

We facilitate learning on how to use government spending and revenue collection, i.e. various fiscal policy options, to influence an economy. To support our constituency in establishing well-functioning medium-term fiscal frameworks, we offer insights into the innovative mechanisms and tools for budget management that foster fiscal rules, risks mitigation, transparency and responsibility principles for all PFM actors. We also address approaches for effective management and control of all funding sources of public expenditures - domestic (e.g. tax & revenue collection) and external (e.g. donor support), while also challenging them in light of varying debt management strategies.

Topic lead

Valentina Ostojić

Specialist, Learning program

valentina.ostojic(at)cef-see.org

2025 Highlights

In 2025, we continue to support structural reforms from the Economic Reform Programmes (ERPs) across the Western Balkans and Türkiye, focusing on preparing for the 2026–2028 ERP cycle. Following the EU's adoption of the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF) for the Western Balkans (2024–2027), we aim to enhance the integration of structural reforms into fiscal frameworks, as outlined in both the ERPs for the Western Balkans and Türkiye and the Reform Agendas (RAs) of the Western Balkans. Our focus also includes strengthening the capacity of RA and ERP teams to improve budgetary and strategic planning of structural reforms, with a special emphasis on their costing and budgeting.

Related events

Managing Structural Reforms in the Energy Sector and their Impact Assessment

Workshop: February 18 – 20, 2025

Coordinated Implementation of the Reform Agenda and/or Preparation of the 2026-2028 ERP

Workshop: April or November, 2025

Sustainable Finance and Green Taxonomy

Online Course: April 22 – 24, 2025

Planning Green Policies and Their Implementation

Workshop: June 17 – 19, 2025

Strengthening PIFC as a Key Condition of Success of the Reform Agenda: The Role of Central Harmonization Units

Workshop: September 24 – 25, 2025

Multi-stakeholder Conference

Conference: October 15 – 16, 2025

Enhancing Structural Reforms and their Impact Assessments for the 2026-2028 ERP: Türkiye

Workshop: November or December, 2025

New Learning Opportunities Announced for Western Balkans and Türkiye under FISR2 Project

To drive socio-economic convergence with the European Union, the Western Balkans countries are undertaking significant reforms as part of the Growth Plan for 2024–2027. This initiative focuses on strengthening governance, the rule of law, the digital and green transitions, human capital development, and the business environment.

A Blueprint for Effective Reform Agenda Preparation

We invite you to listen to Ms. Agnesa Jashari and Mr. Fatmir Curri as they explain how their team successfully designed and implemented an advanced coordination system for the effective preparation and implementation of the Reform Agenda. This coordination model emphasizes strong communication, efficient task delegation, and inclusive stakeholder collaboration.

End-of-Year Message from CEF Director Jana Repanšek

As we approach the end of 2024, I am grateful for your continued support and commitment to the CEF.

Announcing the Release of the CEF Learning and Knowledge Sharing Program for 2025

We are excited to present the CEF Learning and Knowledge Sharing Program for 2025, designed to meet the evolving needs of our constituency in South East Europe (SEE) and broader. This program reflects our commitment to making things happen together, by adapting flexibly and innovatively to the changing environment, learning needs, and valuable feedback from our participants and other relevant stakeholders.

Strengthening Capacities for Economic Impact Assessment

The recent learning event for officials from the Western Balkans and Türkiye was invaluable for participants involved in implementing Reform Agendas (RAs) and Economic Reform Programmes (ERPs). It gathered policymakers and analysts focused on assessing the economic impacts of reforms to support private sector development and improve the business environment. Ms. Anastasija Perućica from the Directorate for Financial System and Policy Coordination at Montenegro’s Ministry of Finance and Ms. Ilva Prifti, IPA Rural Development (IPARD) Sector Specialist at the Albanian Ministry of Finance and Economy, found the event invaluable in strengthening their capacities for economic impact assessment. They gained practical skills and insights that will strenghten their ability to assess and prioritize economic reforms in their respective countries.

CEF Coordinators Discuss Their Role in Advancing Sustainable Governance

From October 1 to 3, 2024, the bi-annual meeting of CEF Coordinators took place in Zagreb, Croatia, bringing together human resources professionals and regional representatives from ministries of finance, tax administrations, and central banks from our constituency. These professionals, responsible for capacity development and strategic management of human capital, met to discuss future priorities and strengthen their role in shaping sustainable, learning-oriented public institutions. The meeting is a key part of CEF governance, helping us align with our Strategic Direction 2022-2026, which aims to support the transformation of public institutions into learning organizations.

Strengthening Capacities for Effective Navigation of Structural Reforms: A Focus on the Reform Agenda

Together with the European Commission (EC) we were pleased to welcome officials from the Western Balkans and Türkiye who coordinate the process of Reform Agenda (RA) and Economic Reform Programme (ERP) preparation, and representatives from the EC Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR). This event marked the launch of the CEF's support for the implementation of the Reform and Growth Facility freshly adopted by the EU Parliament.

Navigating the Complexities of Economic Reform Programme Coordination Process

As part of the ongoing "Structural Reforms Better Integrated Within Fiscal Frameworks" (FISR2) project, we are pleased to announce the release of a new publication titled "Good Practices in Economic Reform Programme (ERP) Coordination Processes”. This thorough analysis with case studies focuses on the complexities of coordinating ERP processes in the Western Balkans and Türkiye and offers an overview of the challenges and successes encountered in aligning structural reforms with budgetary processes and national strategic planning.

Active Pursuit of Labor Market Reforms in the Western Balkans and Türkiye

Prioritizing labor market reforms remains a critical focus on the reform agenda in the Western Balkans and Türkiye. The recent “Managing Labor Market Structural Reforms” workshop presented a valuable opportunity for officials to exchange ideas on labor and education reforms, aligning with the ongoing Reform Agenda and their positions within the Economic Reform Programme (ERP) process. Additionally, this workshop also served as a unique platform for reviewing examples of labor market structural reforms outlined in ERPs, encouraging reflection on potential implementation strategies, and enhancing capacities to tackle labor market challenges.

Learning about Key Performance Indicators for Assessing the Structural Reforms

After weeks of blended learning that started in early November, participants from the Western Balkans and Türkiye wrapped up their learning and knowledge sharing experience with an engaging face-to-face workshop at the CEF headquarters in Ljubljana. Guided by experts Janez Šušteršič and Jelena Rančić, the focus of the event was the introduction of the recently published manual titled “Selecting Key Performance Indicators for Monitoring the Results of Structural Reform Measures in Economic Reform Programmes.”

CEF Team Rounds Up Its Activities in November in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Wrapping up a month filled with dynamic initiatives, the CEF team successfully concluded various learning and networking activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina throughout November. This period of intense engagement showcases our commitment to nurturing a culture of continuous learning and capacity development within the economic reform and leadership domains.

Economic Reform Programme Team Plays a Crucial Role in Coordination between Institutions

The Office of Prime Minister in Kosovo plays a crucial role in coordinating various government programs, including the Economic Reform Programme (ERP), which supports the Prime Minister and Cabinet in aligning ministries with government policies. We were happy to talk to Mr. Venhar Nushi, Senior Policy Planning Officer, who oversees the smooth running of the ERP process in Kosovo*.

Empowering the Understanding of the Economic Reform Program Cycle through Self-Paced Online Learning

As part of the “Structural Reforms Better Integrated Within Fiscal Frameworks” (FISR2) project, we are happy to announce the start of the self-paced online course for public officials who wish to learn how to create effective and coherent Economic Reform Programmes (ERPs). The ERPs play a crucial role in the European economic governance framework, serving as a bridge to European Union standards and fostering essential policy dialogues.

Exciting Learning Opportunities Are Set to Begin Shortly

With the arrival of autumn, we invite you to embrace this season as an opportunity for fresh starts and the pursuit of learning and sharing knowledge. We will continue offering online and in-classroom learning opportunities across four thematic priorities we have specified for our work: public financial management, central banking, leadership for managing reforms, and learning and knowledge ecosystems.