People4Europe - Organized by the Government of Montenegro – Ministry of Public Administration in cooperation with ReSPA
Dialogue of Ministers of Public administration

From Reform to Readiness: Building Leadership and Talent for EU Accession 

Berlin Process

Hosted in Budva, Montengro 2026

About Conference

From Reform to Readiness: Building Leadership and Talent for EU Accession

Everything You Need to Know
About People4Europe Event

Agenda

19:00-21:00
Splendid Conference & Spa Resort

Official Dinner hosted by the Government of Montenegro and ReSPA

As part of the Berlin Process 2026 in Budva, the Government of Montenegro and ReSPA are honored to host an Official Dinner for high-level representatives from the Western Balkans and the European Union.

The evening will offer an opportunity for informal dialogue, strengthening partnerships, and reaffirming our shared commitment to cooperation and European integration.

09:40 - 10:00
Room#2

Arrival of delegations

10:00-10:30
Room#2

Welcome and Opening Remarks

  • Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister of Montenegro (tbc)
  • Marash Dukaj, Minister of Public Administration of Montenegro
  • Ms. Maja Handjiska Trendafilova, ReSPA Director
10:00-10:30
Room#2

Keynote Address: Building Administrative Capacity for the Next Stage of EU Enlargement

  • Ms. Valentina Superti, Director, Western Balkans, Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood, European Commission
10:30-11:00
Room#2

Group Photo, Coffee Break and Interview Corners

This segment includes the official group photo of the participants, followed by a coffee break for informal interaction, as well as short media interviews conducted in a dedicated area.

11:00-12:30
Room#2

Ministerial Discussions:

Empowering Leaders, Attracting Talents for Public Administration in Challenging Times & Civil Service Fit for Europe: Skilled, Digital & Agile The Ministerial Discussion will feature an exchange among Ministers of Public Administration from the Western Balkans and participating EU Member States

12:30 - 13:00
Room#2

Presentation of the Chair's Conclusions

13:00 - 14:30
Room#2

Networking Lunch

Speakers

Milojko Spaić

Prime Minister of Montenegro

Milojko Spaić

Prime Minister of Montenegro

Marash Dukaj

Minister of Public Administration of Montenegro

Marash Dukaj

Minister of Public Administration of Montenegro

Maja Handjiska Trendafilova

Director of ReSPA

Valentina Superti

Director at European Commission, DG ENEST

Valentina Superti

Director at European Commission, DG ENEST

Adea Pirdeni

Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption of Albania

Adea Pirdeni

Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption of Albania

Davor Bunoza

Minister of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Davor Bunoza

Minister of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Snežana Paunović

Minister of State Administration and Local Self-Government of Serbia

Snežana Paunović

Minister of State Administration and Local Self-Government of Serbia

Goran Minchev

Minister of Public Administration of North Macedonia

Goran Minchev

Minister of Public Administration of North Macedonia

Lulëzon Jagxhiu

Minister of Public Administration and Digitalisation of Kosovo

Lulëzon Jagxhiu

Minister of Public Administration and Digitalisation of Kosovo

What is the Berlin Process

The Berlin Process is a high-level political initiative established in 2014 to strengthen regional cooperation and accelerate the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union. It brings together six Western Balkan economies – Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Albania, and Serbia – alongside Germany, other partner countries, and the European Union.

The Process serves as a strategic platform for political dialogue, reform coordination, and promotion of concrete projects that enhance regional connectivity and EU integration. Each year, the Berlin Process Summit is held, preceded by ministerial meetings and thematic forums, with the participation of EU institutions, international financial institutions, civil society, youth representatives, and the regional business community.

The initiative provides strong political support and international visibility for projects contributing to stability, economic development, and European integration in the region.

Objectives of the Berlin Process

The Berlin Process aims to deepen regional cooperation and progressively align the region with EU standards and policies. Through a structured and comprehensive approach, it promotes reforms, increases the competitiveness of the region’s economies, and delivers tangible benefits for citizens.

By involving EU member states and institutions, the Process creates a unique framework for cooperation that produces sustainable results and prepares the Western Balkans for eventual EU membership.

Why was it initiated?

The Berlin Process was launched to harness the potential of enhanced regional connectivity and cooperation in the Western Balkans, strengthening good neighborly relations, interpersonal ties, and economic collaboration. It encourages a broad range of projects that promote integration, stability, and concrete benefits for the region’s citizens.

How does it work?

The Berlin Process operates through a flexible structure with a rotating presidency coordinated with the German government. Without a permanent central coordination mechanism, it relies on political commitment from participating countries and EU partners, ensuring continuity, regional ownership, and focus on tangible results.

Partners

Ministry of Public Administration

Regional School of Public Administration