Programme Overview: The implementation of the EU acquis is a necessary condition for each country seeking membership of the Union. While much emphasis has been placed upon the transposition of EU legislation into the national law of these countries, the European Commission has made it clear that such laws must be implemented effectively. It is therefore necessary to have administrative structures with an adequate capacity to ensure compliance.

Developing accountable, predictable, reliable and transparent public administrations that can provide public services in line with government priorities and meeting the requirements of the acquis communautaire, is a demanding task in the western Balkans, and one which requires the commitment of a great variety of actors and resources.

The European Fund for the Balkans initiates programmes that support the building and improving of the professional and administrative capacities and skills of young government officials from the Balkans in the EU integration process, with a view to:

• Building a new generation of politicians and civil servants with new visions and a regional outlook;
• Gaining practical experience in EU countries’ federal, state or municipal government agencies;
• Creating links between administrations in the region through individual networks and joint initiatives.