Sectoral Policymaking

We promote a structured discussion and analysis of sector-specific policies by strengthening the capacities of line ministries (LMs) to position them within the wider policy planning frameworks. We build capacities to assess fiscal implications of various sectorial policies and discuss how to integrate them into budgetary planning frameworks. We particulary focus on structural reforms, and strengthening LMs capacities to describe, sequence, prioritize and negotiate them. Our activities also look into how the relationship between LMs, ministries of finance and other central government planning bodies (e. g. Prime minister’s office, policy secretariat) can be more coordinated and strengthened.

Topic lead

Valentina Ostojić

Specialist, Learning program

valentina.ostojic(at)cef-see.org

2026 Highlights

Building on our collaboration under the Economic Reform Programmes (ERPs) for the Western Balkans (WB6) and Türkiye, and aligned with the EU’s Reform and Growth Facility (RGF) for WB6, our 2026 work will focus on:

Supporting the costing and implementation of reforms under ERPs and Reform Agendas (RAs), in close cooperation with ministries of finance and line institutions.
Strengthening monitoring and reporting skills to improve the credibility and impact of reform measures.
Facilitating regional knowledge exchange through a sectoral workshop on transport reforms, focusing on alignment with EU policy guidance, innovative developments in the sector and investment policies.

Related events

Impact Assessment and Monitoring Implementation of Structural Reforms

Online Course: March 8, 2024 – December 31, 2025

How to Make a Good Structural Reform

Online Course: December 16, 2024 – December 31, 2025

Managing Structural Reforms in the Transport Sector

Workshop: February 19 – 20, 2026

WeShare: Unlocking Economic Transformation in the Western Balkans

Webinar: February 24, 2026

Celebrating success and thinking strategically about future reforms

Conference: March 24 – 26, 2026

Reforms in Action: Design, Assessment and Implementation

Workshop: April, 2026

Policy Drafting and Coordination

Webinar: May 26, 2026IWebinar: May 28, 2026

Planning and Implementing Green Policies

Blended Learning: June 9 – 11, 2026

Fair Taxation

Workshop: September 15 – 17, 2026

Strengthening Montenegro’s EU Path: Reflections from Žana Jovanović

We are happy to present insights from Žana Jovanović, Head of the Division for Finance and Accounting and Coordination of the Growth Plan at the Ministry of Finance of Montenegro. Following her participation in the recent Brussels conference “Economic Reform Programme and Reform Agenda Teams Working Towards EU Accession”, Ms. Jovanović reflects on how this engagement, together with her long-standing cooperation with the CEF, has shaped her professional development and supported Montenegro’s progress in economic governance and EU integration processes.

CEF’s Role in Driving Results for the EU’s Enlargement Agenda

The European Commission’s 2025 Enlargement Package, presented on 4 November 2025, confirms that EU enlargement is again a top strategic priority. The report shows that progress across the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova is increasingly within reach, provided that governments deliver concrete reforms in economic governance, public administration, the rule of law and democratic institutions.

Insights from a Workshop on Energy Sector Reforms

Edonita Kashtanjeva from the Ministry of Economy of Kosovo recently participated in the regional workshop Managing Structural Reforms in the Energy Sector and Their Impact Assessment, delivered as part of the EU-funded multi-beneficiary project “Structural Reforms Better Integrated Within Fiscal Frameworks” (FISR 2), implemented by the CEF. The workshop provided a unique opportunity to explore the complexities of designing energy sector reforms, estimating associated costs and budgets, and applying effective methodologies. We are pleased to share Ms. Kashtanjeva’s insightful feedback and key lessons learned from her experience.

Sharing Lessons on Reform Agenda Reporting

From April 8 to 10, 2025, representatives from the Western Balkans, together with colleagues from Türkiye, Ukraine, and Moldova, gathered for a regional learning event to share experiences and lessons learned in reporting on the implementation of their Reform Agendas. The event was delivered as part of the EU-funded multi-beneficiary project “Structural Reforms Better Integrated Within Fiscal Frameworks” (FISR 2), implemented by the CEF.

Putting Energy Sector Reforms in Focus

We recently welcomed key policymakers from the Western Balkans, Türkiye, Ukraine, and Moldova to a workshop addressing the pressing challenges in the energy sector. As part of the EU-funded multi-beneficiary project "Structural Reforms Better Integrated Within Fiscal Frameworks" (FISR 2), the workshop provided a platform to review obstacles in energy policy, assess ongoing reforms, and explore best practices from EU member states.

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.

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.

Prepare for an Exciting New Learning Season at the CEF

As summer winds down and September approaches, it is time to prepare for the busy season ahead. At the CEF, we are kicking off a new learning season, offering plenty of fresh online and in-class learning opportunities across the following thematic areas: public financial management, central banking, leadership for managing reforms, and learning and knowledge ecosystems.

Regional Workshop on Labor Market and Education Reforms: Insights and Recommendations from Participating Officials

Milica Vučević from the Serbian Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation, Marko Vukašinović from the Montenegrin Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation, and Tuncay Serdaroğlu from the Turkish Presidential Strategy and Budget Office joined us earlier this year at a workshop that offered a review of trends in the labor market and education, followed by a detailed analysis of labor and education reforms outlined in the Economic Reform Programme. We are happy to share their thoughts on the value they believe this event brought to them. The "Managing Labor Market Structural Reforms" workshop was delivered as part of the EU-funded multi-beneficiary project "Structural Reforms Better Integrated Within Fiscal Frameworks" (FISR2) implemented by the CEF.

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.”