Participating in the WeLead: EU Scheme for Young Professionals in the Western Balkans program was a unique experience that allowed me to step beyond the routine of my daily work and explore something more strategic, creative, and at times, unexpectedly personal.

As someone working in the Montenegrin public administration, I approached the WeWrite component with both curiosity and caution. I expected a hands-on exercise in policy writing. Instead, I discovered a shift in how I see my role: not only as someone who analyzes problems, but also as someone who takes a stand, communicates ideas clearly, and advocates for meaningful solutions.

At first glance, writing a policy paper seemed like a daunting task. The structure, the methodology, and the expectations appeared complex and almost academic in a way that felt far from my daily work routine. I initially struggled to define a precise topic. I knew it had to be relevant and actionable, but the challenge was narrowing it down enough to make it manageable, while still impactful.

It was only later in the process that I understood what makes a policy paper recommendation not only possible to implement, but also strong enough to influence decision-makers. As I progressed, I realized that my initial focus did not give me the space to address the core of the issue I wanted to explore. That realization led me to change direction. By the end of the process, I came to see research not just as a requirement, but as the foundation for meaningful and credible policy development.

Reading reflections from other WeWrite participants, I recognized shared moments of doubt, shifts in perspective, and the gradual clarity that comes from writing with purpose. As part of the second WeWrite cohort, it was encouraging to see how professionals from across the Western Balkans navigated similar challenges while bringing unique insights to complex policy issues.


I refined the topic to reflect what I found most meaningful and relevant to my work: strengthening the human resources capacity of Montenegro's public administration to absorb EU funds. That's when the paper began to take shape more naturally. I stopped writing to fulfill a structure and started writing to solve a problem. The process itself was a journey of clarity.

This shift taught me one of the most important lessons from the WeWrite component: you don't need to have all the answers at the start. But you do need to be open to refining your thinking and your policy approach as you move through the process. This experience helped me better understand both the complexity and the opportunity that policy development offers, especially in public administrations facing the challenge of accelerated reforms due to the EU accession process.

With the support of mentorship, peer feedback, and structured guidance, I developed my policy paper on a topic I consider both timely and essential. Bridging Montenegro's Capacity Gap: Urgent Measures to Reinforce and Restructure Public Administration for EU Funds explores how Montenegro's public administration can be prepared to absorb and manage substantial EU funds after accession. For me, as a civil servant, this is not just a policy question. It reflects the institutional reality we face every day.

My favorite part of the process was the combination of structured support and creative freedom. The program gave me enough tools to write effectively, but left sufficient space for my own voice. That balance made all the difference.

The final outcome was more than a paper. It was a clearer understanding of how evidence-based recommendations can influence change and how our daily experiences as public servants can be translated into long-term strategies. This process didn't just improve my writing; it shifted how I think about policy.

To anyone considering similar programs in the future: say yes. Even if you feel too busy or believe you already know your field well, these kind of programs have a way of challenging assumptions and expanding perspectives. And sometimes, stepping out of your routine helps you see your own role - and your country's potential – a bit more clearly.