In this time, the CEF has supported more than 30,000 public officials, delivered over 2,000 learning events, and contributed to the strengthening of more than 50 public institutions across South East and East Europe. Through learning and knowledge sharing, the CEF has helped develop the skills, leadership capacity, and institutional resilience needed for effective governance, sustainable growth, and social and economic development in the region.

For more than 15 years, the CEF has explored how people learn. Our work initially focused on individual learning, supporting public officials in strengthening their professional knowledge and skills. Over the past five years, this approach has expanded to include team and organizational learning, reflecting the understanding that lasting reforms require institutions, not just individuals, to learn, adapt, and collaborate.

This anniversary is also a moment to celebrate the collective achievements of all those who have contributed to the CEF’s continuous progress. A major milestone in this journey came after 14 years of operations as a Slovenian foundation. In 2015, the CEF changed its legal status and became an international organization, strengthening regional ownership, credibility, and long-term sustainability.

Building on this foundation, throughout 2026 the CEF is going to engage with key stakeholders from across its community, including members of the Governing Board and Advisory Board, CEF Coordinators, donors and partners, and affiliated international and regional experts, to reflect on shared achievements and future priorities. “If I had to use just one word to describe the CEF, it would be indispensable. What the CEF has achieved in the region over the past ten years is truly remarkable. It has transformed the way ministries and central banks work. I can only congratulate the CEF on these results,” says Mateja Vraničar Erman, Chair of the Advisory and Governing Board from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia.

Beyond celebrating past achievements, the 25th anniversary is also an opportunity to reaffirm our long-term vision: to inspire public officials, both individuals and teams, to shape institutional governance that drives successful economies and fair societies. As we enter the next chapter, the CEF remains firmly committed to empowering public officials, teams, and institutions through learning, collaboration, and action. Through this commitment, the CEF contributes to stronger institutions, shared prosperity, and a more integrated and resilient Europe.