WeBER Plus is a regional spin-off project of the broader WeBER initiative, funded by the SMART Balkans project and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Launched on January 2023 and running until the end of November 2024, WeBER Plus is implemented through the collaboration of four key partners: European Policy Centre – CEP, Belgrade, Foreign Policy Initiative BH – FPI BH, Sarajevo, Group for Legal and Political Studies – GLPS, Pristina, and European Policy Initiative – EPI, Skopje. The project’s primary goal is to strengthen the participation of civil society organisations (CSOs) in public administration reform (PAR) across the Western Balkans by enhancing their capacities and fostering dialogue at both national and regional levels.

A key activity within the WeBER Plus framework is organising capacity-building initiatives for CSOs, aimed at enabling them to actively and efficiently engage in PAR processes. In order to develop and specifically customise these initiatives to the local WB countries’ contexts, a training needs assessment (TNA) was first conducted across four participating countries. The assessment included surveys with CSOs, members of PAR national working groups—composed of smaller grassroots CSOs—and WeBER Platform members, representing more experienced and well-established CSOs. Additionally, the training needs of CSOs were discussed during four PAR national working group meetings and one WeBER Platform meeting. All of this provided the project team with valuable inputs for developing four tailor-made national training programmes and one regional training programme for CSOs. Based on the educational modules of the developed programmes, project partners first began organising national trainings for CSOs. As of the time of writing, 125 participants have completed nine two-day national trainings across four countries, garnering overwhelmingly positive feedback on evaluation surveys.

In addition to national training, the recent regional training (30 September—1 October), which brought together 29 representatives from CSOs across the region, was especially notable. The focus of the training was on policy development and coordination, a crucial element of PAR that ensures effective governance and the implementation of evidence-based policies.

The two-day workshop aimed to equip participants – members of the WeBER Platform – with practical knowledge and tools for participating in policy development and coordination processes. By focusing on the core of public administration reform, participants learned how to influence and shape policies that address the needs of citizens in their respective countries.

This training gave me an in-depth insight into how to improve monitoring activities related to PAR within my organisation by using the knowledge gained on common challenges, but also samples of good practice in policy coordination across the Western Balkan Region. It also provoked me to think of the new approaches we, as civil society organisations, could develop in our activities related to contribution to the development of public policies, especially on the local level.

Vladimir Pavlović, Belgrade Open School

On the first day, the training was led by Egle Rimkute, Senior Policy Advisor at SIGMA/OECD, who has great experience in public sector management. Her sessions covered essential aspects of policy planning and coordination at the centre of government, with a focus on evidence-based policy development and the role of stakeholders in this process. Participants engaged in both theoretical learning and practical exercises to improve their understanding of the policymaking cycle, from planning to monitoring and evaluation.

The second day of training was led by Jelena Mrdak, Programme Manager at the Regional School of Public Administration (ReSPA). Her sessions delved into the intricacies of the integrated planning system used by various Western Balkan administrations. In addition to her presentations, participants engaged in a World Café discussion, which allowed them to explore critical topics such as public consultations, participation in working groups, and monitoring policy implementation in a dynamic and interactive format.

The most important role of civil society in influencing public administration reforms lies in ensuring transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the policymaking process. Civil society can act as a bridge between the government and citizens, advocating for reforms that reflect the needs and rights of the public. The active participation of CSOs in public consultations, working groups, and feedback mechanisms enhances the quality and relevance of policies by incorporating diverse perspectives, ensuring that no group is left behind.

Training like this one helps equip civil society actors with the necessary tools to engage effectively. It fosters a deeper understanding of how civil society can contribute at various stages of the policy cycle, from the initial consultation to the evaluation of policy outcomes. Through such training, civil society becomes more adept at holding administrations accountable and advocating for reforms that serve the broader public interest.

Jelena Mrdak, Programme Manager, SIGMA/OECD

As the WeBER Plus project continues, CSOs will remain central to the region’s reform efforts. This training is a testament to the commitment of both local organisations and international partners, such as the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to ensure that civil society continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of the Western Balkans.