Leaders of ERP and RA processes from South East and East Europe met in Kotor to reflect on progress achieved in implementing structural reforms and to discuss the next steps in strengthening reform delivery as countries advance on their EU integration paths. The event marked the conclusion of the FISR2 project, which has supported governments in strengthening the link between structural reforms, fiscal planning, and inter-institutional coordination.

“Through initiatives such as FISR2, over the past years, the EU has supported partners in the Western Balkans and Türkiye in strengthening their reform efforts and translating policy commitments into tangible economic and institutional development on their EU integration path.” said Thomas Hagleitner, Head of Unit for Enlargement Strategy & Coordination at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST).

“Over the past four years, the FISR2 project helped transform structural reforms from policy intentions into evidence-based and implementable actions,” said Jana Repanšek, CEF Director. “By strengthening capacities for costing, impact assessment, and monitoring, reform teams across the region are now better positioned to deliver reforms that support sustainable growth and advance progress toward EU integration.”

Reflecting on reform implementation and sustaining progress

The event created a space for reform leaders and practitioners to reflect on practical challenges encountered during reform implementation and to identify the remaining preconditions for the successful completion of ongoing reforms. Participants exchanged experiences and practical insights on how to maintain reform momentum while preparing future reforms beyond the current RAs.

Sessions focused on strengthening the practical tools and leadership capacities needed to deliver reforms effectively. Discussions addressed the importance of credible costing and budgeting of reforms, highlighting how realistic fiscal planning determines whether reform commitments can be implemented successfully. Participants also explored how economic and fiscal impact assessments can help governments prioritize reforms that generate measurable economic benefits, strengthen public finances, and improve the credibility of reform commitments.

Another key topic was the role of performance-based auditing and internal control systems in ensuring accountability and compliance under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans. Reform coordinators shared experiences on managing reporting obligations, cooperating with internal auditors, and ensuring that reform steps are implemented on time and in line with EU requirements.

High-level participation

The event brought together senior representatives from governments and European institutions, including Novica Vuković, Minister of Finance of Montenegro, Bojana Bošković, State Secretary at the Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro, and Bernarda Gradišnik, Ambassador of Slovenia to Montenegro.

European institutions were represented by Thomas Hagleitner, Head of Unit at the European Commission’s DG ENEST and Bernard Brunet, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Montenegro, with additional participation from representatives of the European Commission and EU Delegations across the Western Balkans.

Their participation highlighted the importance of sustained cooperation between national institutions and EU partners in advancing structural reforms and supporting the region’s progress toward economic convergence with the European Union.

Building on the legacy of FISR2

Over four years of implementation, the FISR2 project supported governments in the Western Balkans and Türkiye in integrating structural reforms more effectively into fiscal frameworks and policy planning processes. The project strengthened capacities in over 90 institutions, supported 13 ERPs and RAs, and introduced 9 practical tools and methodological guidelines for assessing the fiscal and economic impact of reforms, setting the key performance indicators and reporting on the reforms implementation.

As the FISR2 project concludes, its lessons and knowledge products will continue to support reform processes across the region. Building on this foundation, the CEF’s new initiative EUReady will further strengthen institutional capacities for designing, assessing, and implementing structural reforms, investments, and public finance policies aligned with EU priorities.