Network of CEF Coordinators

The CEF Coordinators are representatives from ministries of finance, tax administrations, and central banks, focusing on capacity development and strategic management of human resources in their organizations. Their work is closely tied to CEF governance, as they are a key part of its structure, influencing both strategic and operational aspects.

As strategic partners, CEF Coordinators contribute to the CEF’s Strategic Direction, implemented through the CEF program. They identify learning needs to ensure that the Learning and Knowledge Sharing Program is tailored accordingly.

We encourage Coordinators to promote individual and institutional contributions to national and international knowledge flows, establish a knowledge-sharing culture, and enable and facilitate peer-to-peer learning. Additionally, as part of the WeLead project, CEF Coordinators will focus on talent retention to address the brain drain of young public officials from their institutions and countries.

Network lead

Ivana Angelova

Specialist, Leadership and Learning Ecosystems

ivana.angelova(at)cef-see.org

2026 Highlights

In 2026, CEF Coordinators will meet in person for their bi-annual gathering and CEF Forum, which will be delivered in Skopje, North Macedonia, continuing the strong spirit of collaboration developed in previous years.

Network members will also have the opportunity to stay connected by joining online meetings designed to support shared learning and collaboration across institutions.

In addition, an insightful study visit for HR professionals in Western Europe will provide valuable opportunities to explore innovative public sector HR practices. Building on the productive activities of previous years, 2026 promises to be another dynamic and meaningful year for the network.

Creating Space for Growth Through Coaching

Marsed Harizi shares his reflections on the CEF Expert Coaching and Mentoring Skills Development Program, a coaching and mentoring skills training program recognized and certified by International Coaching Federation (ICF) and European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC). His experience captures the program’s professional value while also reflecting the personal transformation it sparked. It offers an encouraging perspective for others considering a similar journey of learning and growth..

Celebrating 25 Years of the CEF: A Quarter-Century of Institutional Impact

In 2026, the CEF proudly marks 25 years of successful operations. Established in 2001 as a Slovenian foundation, this milestone year offers an opportunity to reflect on a quarter-century of learning, collaboration, and lasting regional impact.

Montenegro Accelerates EU Accession Reforms, Also Supported by the CEF

Montenegro’s draft EU Accession Programme for 2026–2027 plans the adoption of 564 acts, with 490 expected in 2026. The Ministry of European Affairs said 122 obligations are directly linked to meeting the benchmarks needed to close negotiating chapters. With 12 out of 33 chapters provisionally closed so far, the programme also foresees the adoption of 22 strategic documents, 48 laws, and 52 by-laws to complete the remaining work. This reflects the Government’s priority to deliver key commitments in the first two quarters of 2026 and to close all negotiating chapters by the end of 2026.

End-of-Year Message from CEF Director Jana Repanšek: Reflecting on Progress and Advancing Together

As we approach the end of 2025, I am grateful for your continued support and commitment to the CEF. I would like to take this moment to reflect on our shared progress.

A Roadmap for Building Resilient, Learning-Centered Public Institutions

We are proud to present our latest publication, "Systems for Resilience – Public Institutions as Learning Organizations". The new publication strengthens ongoing CEF efforts to support public institutions across the South East and East Europe in building resilience, adaptability, and long-term impact. It showcases how learning-centered institutions can deliver more trust, better reforms, and stronger results for citizens.

How Coaching Helped Me Rethink What It Means to Lead

We are pleased to share a reflection by Saša Jazbec, CEF Associate Fellow and State Secretary at the Ministry of Finance of Slovenia, who joined the CEF Expert Development Program to deepen her coaching and mentoring skills. In her story, Ms. Jazbec describes how a simple New Year’s resolution to invest in formal learning, followed by a timely invitation from the CEF, opened up a new chapter in her people-focused leadership journey. As she explores the “mysterious world” of coaching, she reflects on learning to listen more intentionally, create space for others’ ideas, and use powerful tools to build trust and shared ownership.

CEF Actively Contributes to Key EU–Montenegro Reform Events

From 18 to 20 November, CEF representatives Aleksandra Tekijaški, Robert Bauchmüller and Svetlana Lausević played an active role in several high-level reform events in Podgorica, Montenegro. In parallel, they held coordination meetings with national institutions and international partners to further strengthen cooperation and ensure alignment of support with Montenegro’s reform agenda.

Insights from Mateja Vraničar Erman, Chair of the CEF Advisory Board, on How to Lead Differently

We are happy to share a reflection by Mateja Vraničar Erman from the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, who took part in the CEF Expert Development Program. In her story, Mateja shares how developing coaching and mentoring skills helped her rediscover her own strengths, shift her leadership mindset, and foster a more inclusive and collaborative team culture. Reflecting on her learning and self-discovery, she describes how stepping back, listening more deeply, and creating space for others to contribute led to stronger connections, shared ownership of solutions, and lasting transformation in the way her team works together.

Get Ready for a New Season of Learning Opportunities at the CEF

As autumn approaches, we are starting an exciting new learning season filled with opportunities to strengthen skills, share experiences, and foster regional cooperation. Our learning program this fall offers a diverse mix of webinars, workshops, and certification programs designed to address pressing challenges and build professional capacity across the public sector.

Minister Dimitrieska-Kochoska Outlines Shared Vision with the CEF for Regional Progress

As North Macedonia assumes the chairing of the CEF Governing Board, we are pleased to share key insights from the new Chair, Minister of Finance Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska. In her closing remarks at the 2025 CEF Forum titled “Empowering Institutions for Tomorrow,” the Minister emphasized the vital role of strong, learning-oriented public institutions in advancing sustainable reforms. She highlighted North Macedonia’s commitment to institutional development through the Public Finance Academy and emphasized the value of continued cooperation with the CEF in fostering regional knowledge sharing and capacity development.

Green Skills for a Sustainable Future: CEF’s Active Role in Empowering the Western Balkans in the Green Transition

The transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy requires professionals highly skilled in green practices, policies, and technologies. Recognizing this, the Western Balkan countries, as signatories of the Paris Agreement, have committed to key elements of the European Union’s Green Deal by endorsing the 2020 Sofia Declaration on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and its subsequent Action Plan (2021–2030).