This workshop will be delivered as a continuation of support to the European Union (EU) candidates and potential candidates in the implementation of the Reform Agenda. It is delivered as part of four-year multi-beneficiary capacity development project funded by the European Union “Structural Reforms Better Integrated Within Fiscal Frameworks” (FISR2) implemented by the CEF.

About this event

This event will focus on reporting the implementation of the Reform Agenda (RA), a crucial component of the EU's Reform and Growth Facility (RGF) for the Western Balkans. With Serbia's RA prepared and the first reporting package imminent, the workshop is designed to meet the needs of the Serbian RA coordination team, providing a strong foundation for efficient and effective reporting.

With that regard, the Workshop is planned to cover three main sections:

• Compliance requirements and expectations 
• Key elements of effective reporting
• Ideas for development of the Serbian RA reporting model

Considering that the RA serves as a preparatory activity for EU candidates aspiring to EU membership, understanding the details and challenges that EU member states like Croatia and Slovenia face in reporting on their NRRPs can be highly beneficial for Serbia. This knowledge can offer valuable insights and practical advice for improving Serbia's RA implementation reporting process.

The participation of high-ranking officials from the Government of the Republic of Serbia, RA and ERP coordination teams, and representatives from the EU Delegation to Serbia will provide a strong foundation for productive and insightful discussions. These discussions are expected to yield practical conclusions that will guide the further activities of the Serbian RA Coordination (RAC).

The workshop will be grounded in a knowledge product currently being developed by CEF experts, offering a fresh and concise overview of the obligations that RAC teams must consider when reporting on the RA. This ensures that Serbia can maximize its benefits from the RGF. The inaugural presentation of this document will be updated with the latest available information, ensuring it is relevant and aligned with Serbia's specific needs.

What will you learn

Participants will learn how to effectively report under RGF regulations, align RA implementation with RGF objectives, verify indicators, and overcome challenges in reporting, as illustrated by Croatia’s experience. Additionally, they will collaborate on developing a tailored reporting model for Serbia, enhancing their skills in compliance and data reliability.

The event is designed in close cooperation with the representatives of Serbia, the Serbia CEF county team and the representatives of the EU Delegation to Serbia. It builds on the experience and series of the CEF events for the public officials from Serbia that were delivered in the past periods.

Who should attend

Invited to participate are the officials involved in the implementation of the RA:

• RA coordinator
• ERP coordinator

Faculty

This workshop will be delivered by:

• Jelena Rančić, CEF expert, former Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Finance of Serbia
• Saša Jazbec, CEF expert, State Secretary at the Ministry of Finance of Slovenia
• Hana Zoričić, Deputy to the Chief State Treasurer in the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Croatia

Useful Materials

• Tips and tricks for the Reform Agenda reporting
• Regulation (EU) 2024/1449 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on establishing the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans

Practical information

• This event will take place face-to-face in Belgrade, Serbia.
• The event will be held in Serbian and English languages.
• Meals and refreshments during the event will be provided to all participants.

Partners

This event is delivered as part of the EU-funded multi-beneficiary project “Structural Reforms Better Integrated Within Fiscal Frameworks” (FISR2) implemented by the CEF.