ReSPA Summer School on Advanced European Governance and Integration

In July 2024, the Hertie School Executive Education, in partnership with the Regional School of Public Administration (ReSPA), hosted a 3.5-day intensive Summer School on Advanced European Governance and Integration. The programme, held in Berlin, welcomed 20 senior public servants from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo*, who are at the forefront of their countries’ European Union (EU) accession efforts. This immersive learning experience was designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills required to lead the complex processes involved in EU integration.

A Comprehensive Approach to Governance Reform

The Summer School focused on providing a robust understanding of EU governance, combining academic insights with practical, real-world applications. The agenda supported participants in navigating key areas of governance reform, harmonising legislation, and policy development—essential components of the EU accession process. Through interactive workshops, expert-led discussions, and group work, participants enhanced their capacity to drive strategic reforms and manage the EU acquis effectively.

Public administration reform, a core aspect of EU integration efforts, was explored in depth during the opening session led by political scientist Besa Shahini. Participants examined the evolution of public administration and governance reforms within the EU enlargement framework, gaining valuable insights into policy development, coordination, and implementation through comparative analysis and collaborative activities.

Harmonising national legislation with EU standards presented another critical focus. Over two sessions led by Dr. Rolf Alter, participants examined how the alignment process transforms societies, economies, and legal frameworks. Discussions on Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIA) helped participants identify reform priorities and strategies for evidence-based policymaking to meet EU requirements.

Trust and integrity in public institutions also featured prominently, with sessions led by Rolf Alter highlighting the importance of effective governance and public trust for managing EU funds. Group work on national Trust and Integrity Strategies allowed participants to develop concrete proposals to strengthen governance frameworks and ensure the efficient use of resources.

Insights Through Institutional Visits and Practical Applications

A highlight of the programme was a day of institutional visits, providing participants with firsthand insights into German public administration. The day began with a session by Prof. Dr. Gerhard Hammerschmid on Germany’s governance framework, followed by visits to the German Federal Foreign Office and the German Bundestag. At the Foreign Office, Dr. Niels von Redecker, Head of Division West Balkans, discussed Germany’s role in supporting Western Balkan integration efforts. The Bundestag visit concluded with a discussion with Josip Juratovic, a Member of Parliament and Chair of the German-Southeast European Parliamentary Group, offering valuable perspectives on parliamentary practices and EU legislative processes.

The final day addressed political communication, a critical component of the EU accession process. Led by Adnan Ćerimagić from the European Stability Initiative, the workshop equipped participants with strategies to communicate the complexities of EU accession to the public, counter disinformation, and develop effective messaging. Working with real-life scenarios, participants honed their ability to present the process to stakeholders and the public clearly and persuasively.

Advancing European Integration Through Collaboration

The ReSPA Summer School combined theoretical learning with practical applications, equipping participants with tools to guide their countries through the EU accession process. This collaboration between Hertie School Executive Education and ReSPA underscores a shared commitment to enhancing administrative capacities in the Western Balkans and promoting good governance. By empowering public servants, the programme has taken a meaningful step toward ensuring the region’s successful integration into the European Union.

^{*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.}