The program focuses on strengthening the capacities of public officials in public financial management, central banking, strategic leadership, and institutional learning, including the capabilities needed for the green and digital transition. Together, these areas help institutions lead and sustain reforms, strengthen their resilience, and make progress towards European integration.

The Governing Board also explored opportunities for cooperation between the CEF and the new IMF Southeast Europe Technical Assistance Center (SEETAC). Building on shared priorities and complementary expertise, cooperation could further strengthen support for public institutions and reforms across the region.

The Governing Board, currently chaired by Romania, is the CEF’s central decision-making body and brings together finance ministers and central bank governors of member states, as well as two representatives of the Advisory Board. Mugur Isărescu, Governor of the National Bank of Romania and Chair of the CEF Governing Board, emphasized the value of continued cooperation between the CEF and its member institutions: 
“The partnership between the CEF and its member institutions underscores the value of accumulated expertise in addressing mutual regional challenges, while accounting for the specific circumstances of each country. Given these factors, the continuity of the CEF’s operations should be strengthened. This is equally true in case of Romania’s cooperation with the CEF, which has fostered professional development through regional initiatives, reflecting a commitment to building institutional capacity and enhancing collaboration between public administrations and central banks.”

As the CEF marks 25 years of operation, the meeting also reflected on the organization’s contribution to strengthening institutions and supporting reforms across the region. Over a quarter of a century, the CEF has evolved from a regional non-profit initiative into an international organization under public law, supporting hundreds of institutions and more than 30,000 public officials.

CEF-supported initiatives have contributed to reforms across the region. This includes support for green transition reforms in North Macedonia linked to EUR 1.2 billion in renewable energy investments and up to 6,000 new jobs, reform implementation in Albania linked to EUR 914 million in sustainable energy investments, and support to Montenegro in reforms that contributed to the provisional closure of Chapter 32 of the EU acquis on Financial Control.

Across the region, the CEF has also supported institutions in strengthening public financial management systems, digitalizing public services, and managing public investments more efficiently.

Presenting the organization’s achievements and future direction, CEF Director Jana Repanšek highlighted the importance of skilled people and strong institutions in advancing European integration and sustainable progress: 
“European integration and sustainable progress are achieved through skilled people and strong institutions. For 25 years, the CEF has acted as a reliable partner to governments in translating policy commitments into measurable results. The 2027 Work Program reinforces our focus on key policy areas crucial for EU membership.”

The meeting in Bucharest reaffirmed the member states’ shared commitment to close cooperation, the exchange of good practices, and continued investment in the public sector’s human capital.