The meeting brought together high-level representatives from Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. During the meeting, the Governing Board approved the CEF Annual Report and financial statements for 2025 and reviewed the organization’s future strategic and program directions in strengthening public financial management, central banking, reform implementation, and institutional resilience across the region.

Addressing the Governing Board, Prime Minister of North Macedonia Hristijan Mickoski highlighted the importance of cooperation and knowledge exchange in strengthening public institutions and advancing reforms.

“One of the greatest strengths of the CEF lies in its ability to connect institutions and people around a common goal – creating more efficient, transparent, and accountable systems of governance. In a world where challenges know no borders, no institution can have all the answers on its own. This is why partnerships, cooperation, and the exchange of experience are so important. It is precisely through platforms like this that new ideas emerge, good practices are shared, and institutions prepared for the future are built.”

As the CEF marks its 25th anniversary, the meeting underscored the organization’s growing contribution to helping countries translate reform commitments into measurable progress. Since its establishment, the CEF has engaged more than 30,000 public officials, supported over 120 institutions, and delivered more than 2,000 learning events.

CEF-supported initiatives have contributed to stronger reform governance and EU accession efforts across the region. This includes support for reforms in North Macedonia linked to an estimated EUR 1.2 billion in green investments and up to 6,000 jobs, reform implementation support in Albania connected to EUR 914 million in renewable energy investments, and assistance to Montenegro in advancing reforms that contributed to the provisional closure of EU Chapter 32 on Financial Control.

Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska, Minister of Finance of North Macedonia and outgoing Chair of the CEF Governing Board, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in strengthening institutions and delivering reforms.

“Strong, credible, and resilient institutions are the foundation of sustainable economic growth, fiscal stability, and successful European integration. At a time of increasing global uncertainty and rapidly changing challenges, no country can advance reforms alone. Regional cooperation, the exchange of knowledge and experience, and continuous investment in people and institutions are essential for building public sectors that can deliver results for citizens. Over the past 25 years, the CEF has shown that by learning together and working together, our countries can transform reform commitments into tangible progress, strengthen governance, and move closer to our shared European future.”

During the meeting, the chairing of the CEF Governing Board was formally handed over to Romania.
Leonardo Badea, First Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Romania, emphasized the importance of continued cooperation among member institutions.

“Therefore, in this complex context, the partnership relation between CEF and its members is an important platform for cooperation and joint actions. It brings together institutional expertise, the necessary resources and the capacity for specialized professional training.”

Presenting the organization’s achievements and future direction, CEF Director Jana Repanšek stressed that the region’s progress depends not only on policy choices but on institutional capability. “EU integration is ultimately delivered by institutions. For 25 years, the CEF has helped governments build the capabilities, partnerships, and leadership needed to turn reform commitments into tangible results. Strong institutions are one of the region’s most valuable assets for navigating uncertainty and sustaining progress.”

Reflecting on the importance of regional cooperation, Montenegro’s Minister of Finance Novica Vuković underscored the CEF’s role in supporting reforms and strengthening institutional resilience across the region.“For us, the CEF is not only a partner in strengthening knowledge and capacities, but also an important ally in building reform leadership and implementing demanding institutional reforms on the path to the European Union.”

As the CEF enters its next chapter, the organization remains committed to supporting public sector institutions across Southeast and Eastern Europe in building the leadership, capabilities, and partnerships needed to deliver reforms and drive sustainable progress.