Strengthening Moldova’s Civil Service Capacity Towards EU Accession

In November 2024, the Hertie School Executive Education, in collaboration with the Prime Minister's Office and the State Chancellery of Moldova, hosted the six-day executive seminar "Strengthening Moldova’s Civil Service Capacity Towards EU Accession." Held in Berlin and supported by the Soros Foundation Moldova and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the programme welcomed 23 senior Moldovan civil servants, along with one representative each from the Soros Foundation Moldova and UNFPA. The goal: to strengthen Moldova’s public administration in preparation for EU accession, focusing on effective governance, EU fund management, and the implementation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

The comprehensive programme combined expert lectures, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities to equip participants with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the EU accession process.

A Comprehensive Learning Experience

The seminar was led by Dr. Rolf Alter, Senior Fellow at the Hertie School and member of the UN Committee of Experts on Public Administration. He opened the seminar on the first day with an overview of Moldova’s EU accession progress, emphasizing the crucial roles of trust, integrity, and the rule of law in governance. His sessions also explored evidence-based strategies for economic growth and effective public procurement, equipping participants with practical tools to enhance governance and align with EU standards.

Dr. Louis Meuleman, Visiting Professor at KU Leuven, explored institutional frameworks, multi-level governance, and the integration of EU financial support mechanisms. His sessions examined how institutions can effectively manage and implement EU funding while navigating complex governance challenges.

The practical application of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) was a central theme of the seminar. Dr. Marija Golubeva, Distinguished Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis and former Latvian Minister of Interior, led sessions on how to set, measure, and analyze KPIs to enhance the efficiency and quality of public service delivery. Drawing on examples from EU member states, participants explored methodologies for aligning KPIs with strategic national objectives.

Besa Shahini, a political scientist and former Minister of Education in Albania, led sessions on using policy analysis tools for Moldova’s EU accession, focusing on strategic foresight and policy design aligned with EU standards. She also guided participants on effectively communicating Moldova’s EU integration, offering practical strategies for explaining complex topics. Kristof Bender, who is Deputy Chairperson of the European Stability Initiative, joined her in discussing communication challenges and developing strategies for engaging various audiences on Moldova's EU journey.

Interactive components of the seminar also included Train-the-Trainer (ToT) sessions, facilitated by Goran Buldioski, Senior Fellow at the Hertie School. These sessions empowered participants to transfer their newly acquired knowledge to colleagues in Moldova, ensuring the sustainability of capacity-building efforts.

Engaging Discussions with Practitioners

Participants had the opportunity to engage in insightful discussions with Thomas Lenk, Director for Ukraine and Moldova at the German Federal Foreign Office, and Michael Sacher, Member of the German Bundestag and Spokesperson in the European Affairs Committee. These exchanges, held at the Hertie School, provided valuable perspectives on Germany’s view of Moldova’s EU integration efforts. The group also visited the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Berlin, where Ambassador Aureliu Ciocoi shared his reflections on Moldova’s EU aspirations and the importance of public administration reform in achieving them.

Cultural Programme

The social programme rounded out the seminar week, offering participants an enriching experience of Berlin. It included group dinners, a walking tour of Berlin-Mitte and the government district, a visit to the Reichstag dome, and a trip to a Christmas market. These activities helped to foster connections among participants while adding a cultural dimension to the week’s intensive learning experience.

A Collaborative Path to EU Integration

The seminar exemplified the Hertie School’s commitment to supporting Moldova’s journey toward EU accession. By providing participants with actionable knowledge, practical tools, and opportunities for peer exchange, the programme strengthened the capacity of Moldova’s public servants to drive reform and manage the complexities of integration.

This collaboration with Moldovan authorities, supported by international partners, reinforced a shared dedication to enhancing governance standards and fostering sustainable development, paving the way for Moldova’s successful integration into the European Union.