The evening opened with a warm welcome from CEF Director Jana Repanšek, who also celebrated her 20th anniversary at the CEF this month. Having led the organization for the past eight years, she reflected in her welcome remarks on the CEF’s achievements and its vision for the future. “Let us co-create solutions that are bold, inclusive, and lasting. We owe it to the generations who will inherit the choices we make today.” said Mrs. Repanšek.

This was followed by a video message from Klemen Boštjančič, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Slovenia, who emphasized that “this moment is not just a celebration — it is about acknowledging the journey, the people, the ideas, and the resilience that have shaped the CEF.” He added: “As Minister of Finance, I am proud that the CEF’s home is in Ljubljana — proud that Slovenia helped plant the seed of what is now a respected international institution. I am proud that we have all remained true to its founding value — the belief that sharing knowledge drives progress. The CEF is living proof that cooperation works, that trust across borders is not just a dream. It is something we can build, sustain, and thrive on.”

Minister Boštjančič concluded: “The CEF is more than an institution — it is a community of people who believe that learning never stops. I am confident that your best chapters are still ahead. Slovenia will continue to stand beside you — as a friend, a supporter, and a partner in knowledge. Congratulations on ten years of shared success.”

Words of support were also received by Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska, Minister of Finance of North Macedonia and the current Chair of the CEF Governing Board. In her message, Minister Dimitrieska-Kochoska, highlighted North Macedonia’s long-standing partnership with the CEF, recalling that North Macedonia has been part of CEF's journey since 2001. She expressed pride in the shared achievements built on trust, professionalism, and regional cooperation.

Minister Dimitrieska-Kochoska praised the CEF for its role as a trusted regional knowledge hub and reaffirmed North Macedonia’s commitment to building resilient institutions founded on knowledge and integrity. She highlighted the significance of initiatives such as the Certification Training of Public Sector Accountants (PACT) and the Certification Training of Public Sector Internal Auditors (TIAPS), which have fostered a new generation of public finance professionals dedicated to transparency and excellence. The Minister Dimitrieska-Kochoska also announced the establishment of North Macedonia’s Public Finance Academy, developed with the support of the CEF. The Academy, she emphasized, reflects North Macedonia’s vision for the future—institutions that are resilient, people who are empowered, and reforms that are sustainable because they are owned and lived by those who implement them.

Her message concluded with a call to continue the joint journey of learning and progress: “The CEF has shown us that learning is not a one-time achievement, but a continuous journey; and that cooperation is the key to resilience and progress. Together, shoulder to shoulder, we will continue to grow, to cooperate, and to shape a shared future rooted in trust, learning, and mutual progress.”

The celebration continued with a moderated discussion on future challenges and opportunities, with contributions from Mrs. Repanšek, Dr. Jerneja Jug Jerše, Head of the EU Representation in Slovenia, and Edvin Skrt, Director-General of the Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid. The discussion focused on the CEF’s contributions to sustainable development, strong public institutions, and prosperity in South East Europe.