The “Ready for EU” training program officially started today in Podgorica. It was intended for public servants aiming to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to become competitive and prepared for responsible roles in EU institutions and bodies.
The first cycle of the program developed by the Human Resources Administration with the support of the Ministry of European Affairs, the Ministry of Public Administration and the Regional School of Public Administration (ReSPA) has gathered 25 participants from various state institutions. This initiative comes in light of Montenegro’s accelerated negotiation process and its nearing accession to the European Union.
Participants will go through six modules focused on learning about EU administrative practices, gaining relevant expertise, and specific knowledge to prepare for future demanding employment procedures in EU institutions, agencies, and advisory bodies.
Minister Gorčević emphasized that the “Ready4EU” training program is a key investment in Montenegro’s future as an EU member state. She added that through the employment of civil servants in numerous EU institutions, Montenegro would be able to participate equally in the creation and implementation of policies post-membership.
“You – the participants and your colleagues—dedicated public servants—are the ones who contribute technically and professionally to this process by improving your skills and abilities but also by spreading the spirit of European integration across the public administration and the country. Therefore, there is no doubt that investing in human capital is essential for the success of our European journey,” said Gorčević.
She concluded that the European Union has shown that it sees Montenegro as part of the European family and she promised that Montenegro will do everything to formally join soon. ” Through its intensive work over the past year this Government has proven that the European path is an unquestionable direction for Montenegro’s foreign policy with membership being our main strategic goal.”
Nina Blažić, Director-General at the Ministry of Public Administration, noted that once Montenegro joins the European Union, it will be required to assign a certain number of civil servants to work in EU institutions. This program provides an excellent base for building a pool (fund) of officials ready to represent Montenegro in the best possible way.
“The ‘Ready4EU’ program is a response to the challenges ahead and a step towards the European future we are building together. I would particularly like to emphasize that the creation of this program was preceded by months of successful cooperation and coordination between the key institutions responsible for preparing the content and implementing the training,” said Blažić.
Reflecting on the program, Director of the Human Resources Administration Agron Camaj highlighted that it provides participants not only with theoretical knowledge of how the European Union functions but also with practical skills necessary for work in an international administrative context from legislative processes and negotiations to project management and work in various EU bodies.
“You – the participants of this program’s first cycle represent a new generation of experts who will be important in shaping the future of Montenegro on its path to the European Union and in its role within the Union itself, as well. This training is a unique opportunity for you to acquire additional knowledge that will make you competitive and prepare you to take on responsible roles in EU institutions and bodies, in the interest of the state of Montenegro,” said Camaj.
Director of the Regional School of Public Administration Maja Handjiska-Trendafilova expressed her satisfaction with ReSPA’s contribution to creating and implementing the “Ready4EU” program and highlighted ReSPA’s long-term commitment to supporting public administration reforms in Montenegro.
“ReSPA has contributed for years to improving public administration in Montenegro and bringing it closer to the European administrative space. We are proud to participate in this Project which will be launched at our premises on October 23th 2024 when the first of a series of modules will be held for the first group of 25 civil servants. We wish them the best of luck in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and insights needed to shape and implement the Union’s joint policies,” she said.
The “Ready for EU” program is intended for public administration officials who are either positioned or interested in working in EU institutions, bodies, and agencies. The first group consists of civil servants nominated by ministries and heads of state bodies.
The program’s implementation spans a total of 30 days. The training for the first group of participants begins on October 23 and will take place in intervals of 2 days per week. The first group is expected to complete the training by April 2025.