Which session or topic from the conference (e.g., EU accession framework, Economic Reform Programme (ERP) and macro-fiscal frameworks, Reform Agenda (RA) and reform reporting) was most relevant to your work? Why was it valuable, and can you share an example of how you applied what you learned in your professional role?

For me personally, as someone who is directly involved in the management of the Reform Agenda program and its implementation and reporting, the session “Reflections from the first two reporting cycles: Lessons for the future” was very valuable, and thus most relevant to my work. Namely, in my role as Head of the Division for Finance and Accounting and Coordination of the Growth Plan within the Ministry of Finance of Montenegro, I was directly interested in the topic of the conference in general and motivated to participate in this event because the topic is directly linked with my professional responsibilities.

As discussed during the conference, the Reform Agenda is a novelty not only for beneficiary countries, but also for the European Commission (EC). Thus, the first two reporting periods were truly a learning-by-doing process. With the approval of the second report, the EC provided clear conclusions on the steps and further requirements for its achievement. This is very much appreciated and will be taken into account when preparing the third report under the Reform Agenda program. I believe this will make our work easier.

As a key enlargement partner, how do you assess the value of such CEF support to the regional economic policy dialogue between EU candidate and potential candidate countries and the EU? In your view, how does this dialogue contribute to peer learning, strengthened regional cooperation, and the identification of joint solutions for advancing EU membership?

I can say that I am an alumna of CEF programs. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to participate in various CEF events (since 2010). In the past few years, however, there were not so many events organized by the CEF, so I was especially pleased when the CEF once again began providing support to Montenegro through different initiatives, from assistance in public finance management to support related to the Growth Plan, and more. Specifically, the initial seminars and workshops organized on the Growth Plan and the Reform Agenda were highly valuable, and the experts involved shared their knowledge and experience generously and without reservation.

Moreover, through regional conferences and dialogue with the EC, experts provided advice and support in resolving open issues and initiating discussions which are crucial for the further implementation of the Reform Agenda program. The broad experience that each CEF expert brings from different fields is an additional benefit. During their presentations, they provide not only a clear overview of the topic at hand, but also highlight the bigger picture and possible links with other areas. For me personally, CEF support has helped me acquire new knowledge, develop new skills, and deepen my understanding of the Reform Agenda program and its requirements. As a result, I believe I have improved my professional work.

Can you share a specific example of an impact—particularly one that benefits citizens—that has emerged or is emerging as a result of your institution’s work on the ERP and/or RA?

The CEF’s work and engagement are transparent and publicly available, ensuring a high level of visibility. As a result, CEF support in areas such as the Reform Agenda gives citizens the opportunity to become more familiar with these topics. Thanks to the balanced mix of theory and practice in each session with CEF experts, all participants, including myself, can benefit by generating new ideas and creativity, which are then applied in our daily work. I believe that this ultimately has a direct impact on citizens: a better working environment and more concrete results within state administration bodies, which are striving to improve living standards, will support Montenegro’s convergence with EU standards in the near future.