Network of Regional Experts (NRE)

The Network of Regional Experts (NRE) under the FISR2 project supports the planning and implementation of structural reforms. Its members include representatives from ministries of finance, line ministries, and other institutions involved in drafting and implementing Economic Reform Programmes and Reform Agendas in the Western Balkans and Türkiye. NRE members meet annually, with three online meetings and one in-person workshop.

Network lead

Jaša Levstik

Facilitator, Leadership and Learning Ecosystems

jasa.levstik(at)cef-see.org

2026 Highlights

In 2026, the NRE will carry its work forward by putting the finishing touches on its knowledge product on labor market structural reforms and sharing it widely within the region. .

NRE members will also come together at the FISR2 closing conference, Celebrating Success and Thinking Strategically about Future Reforms, where they will actively contribute to the program and reflect on the journey so far. .

Throughout the year, the network will look ahead and explore how to shape its future by identifying opportunities to grow within new projects. This continued momentum keeps the NRE connected, collaborative, and ready for the next chapter of structural reforms in the Western Balkans and Türkiye.

Related events

Knowledge Sharing within the Network of Regional Experts

Meeting: March, 2026

Celebrating Success and Thinking Strategically about Future Reforms

Conference: March 24 – 25, 2026

Strengthening Structural Reform Processes in Albania through FISR2 Learning Support

As part of the EU-funded multi-beneficiary project “Structural Reforms Better Integrated Within Fiscal Frameworks” (FISR2), we are happy to share the reflection, prepared by Eva Doda, Director of the Directorate of Macroeconomic Analysis and Fiscal Sustainability at Albania’s Ministry of Finance. It describes what the project’s country-specific learning opportunities meant for the Albanian team and how these learning moments supported clearer processes, stronger coordination, and more consistent progress in delivering structural reforms. Through targeted learning initiatives, the Albanian team applied practical tools and benefited from peer learning. This helped improve how reforms are costed, assessed, implemented, and reported, and supported the preparation of required work under the Economic Reform Programme (ERP) and the Reform Agenda.

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.

Strengthening Montenegro’s EU Path: Reflections from Žana Jovanović

We are happy to present insights from Žana Jovanović, Head of the Division for Finance and Accounting and Coordination of the Growth Plan at the Ministry of Finance of Montenegro. Following her participation in the recent Brussels conference “Economic Reform Programme and Reform Agenda Teams Working Towards EU Accession”, Ms. Jovanović reflects on how this engagement, together with her long-standing cooperation with the CEF, has shaped her professional development and supported Montenegro’s progress in economic governance and EU integration processes.

Advancing EU Accession Efforts at High-Level Conference in Brussels

We were delighted to welcome Economic Reform Programme (ERP) and Reform Agenda (RA) teams from the Western Balkans and Türkiye, alongside representatives of the European Commission, in Brussels for the high-level conference “Economic Reform Programme and Reform Agenda Teams - Working towards EU Accession.” Joining them were also coordination teams from the Ukraine Plan under the Ukraine Facility, and the Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova, representing the EU’s most recent candidate countries.

Turning Insights into Action: Experiences in Kosovo’s Reform Journey

The following reflection, by Vahidin Nurshaba working in the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, captures his experiences and insights from the recent CEF workshop, “Coordinated Impact Assessment and Implementation of Reforms in Kosovo*,” as well as the related expert consultations. The workshop provided a practical and collaborative environment to explore reform implementation, inter-institutional coordination, and strategic planning. It offered participants an opportunity to reflect on current practices, learn from regional peers, and apply lessons directly to ongoing reforms.

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.

Tailored Learning Opportunities for the Western Balkans and Türkiye Now Underway

We continue to demonstrate strong commitment to supporting European Union (EU) candidates and potential candidates through a series of tailored learning events. These activities are designed to address the specific needs and priorities of individual countries as they implement their Reform Agendas (RA) and prepare their Economic Reform Programmes (ERP). By tailoring support to each country’s unique context, this initiative helps public officials better plan, budget, coordinate, and assess reforms that are critical for the EU accession process.

Insights from a Workshop on Energy Sector Reforms

Edonita Kashtanjeva from the Ministry of Economy of Kosovo recently participated in the regional workshop Managing Structural Reforms in the Energy Sector and Their Impact Assessment, delivered as part of the EU-funded multi-beneficiary project “Structural Reforms Better Integrated Within Fiscal Frameworks” (FISR 2), implemented by the CEF. The workshop provided a unique opportunity to explore the complexities of designing energy sector reforms, estimating associated costs and budgets, and applying effective methodologies. We are pleased to share Ms. Kashtanjeva’s insightful feedback and key lessons learned from her experience.

Sharing Lessons on Reform Agenda Reporting

From April 8 to 10, 2025, representatives from the Western Balkans, together with colleagues from Türkiye, Ukraine, and Moldova, gathered for a regional learning event to share experiences and lessons learned in reporting on the implementation of their Reform Agendas. The event was delivered as part of the EU-funded multi-beneficiary project “Structural Reforms Better Integrated Within Fiscal Frameworks” (FISR 2), implemented by the CEF.

Welcoming Reform Agenda Coordinators: A Study Visit on Advancing Reform Agenda Digitalization

From March 11–13, 2025, we had the pleasure of welcoming Reform Agenda Coordinators and their teams for a study visit. The program focused on exchanging insights into how various countries plan to approach to the digitalization of the Reform Agenda (RA) and the Recovery and Resilience Programmes (RRP).

Putting Energy Sector Reforms in Focus

We recently welcomed key policymakers from the Western Balkans, Türkiye, Ukraine, and Moldova to a workshop addressing the pressing challenges in the energy sector. As part of the EU-funded multi-beneficiary project "Structural Reforms Better Integrated Within Fiscal Frameworks" (FISR 2), the workshop provided a platform to review obstacles in energy policy, assess ongoing reforms, and explore best practices from EU member states.

New Learning Opportunities Announced for Western Balkans and Türkiye under FISR2 Project

To drive socio-economic convergence with the European Union, the Western Balkans countries are undertaking significant reforms as part of the Growth Plan for 2024–2027. This initiative focuses on strengthening governance, the rule of law, the digital and green transitions, human capital development, and the business environment.

A Blueprint for Effective Reform Agenda Preparation

We invite you to listen to Ms. Agnesa Jashari and Mr. Fatmir Curri as they explain how their team successfully designed and implemented an advanced coordination system for the effective preparation and implementation of the Reform Agenda. This coordination model emphasizes strong communication, efficient task delegation, and inclusive stakeholder collaboration.

2025 FISR2 Learning Calendar

Network of Regional Experts (NRE)

Network lead

Jaša Levstik

2026 Highlights

Related events

Knowledge Sharing within the Network of Regional Experts

Celebrating Success and Thinking Strategically about Future Reforms

Related news

Learning resources

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Network of Regional Experts (NRE)

Network lead

Jaša Levstik

2026 Highlights

Related events

Knowledge Sharing within the Network of Regional Experts

Celebrating Success and Thinking Strategically about Future Reforms

Related news

Strengthening Structural Reform Processes in Albania through FISR2 Learning Support

Montenegro Accelerates EU Accession Reforms, Also Supported by the CEF

Strengthening Montenegro’s EU Path: Reflections from Žana Jovanović

Advancing EU Accession Efforts at High-Level Conference in Brussels

Turning Insights into Action: Experiences in Kosovo’s Reform Journey

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

Tailored Learning Opportunities for the Western Balkans and Türkiye Now Underway

Insights from a Workshop on Energy Sector Reforms

Sharing Lessons on Reform Agenda Reporting

Welcoming Reform Agenda Coordinators: A Study Visit on Advancing Reform Agenda Digitalization

Putting Energy Sector Reforms in Focus

New Learning Opportunities Announced for Western Balkans and Türkiye under FISR2 Project

A Blueprint for Effective Reform Agenda Preparation

Learning resources