A visit centred on sharing experiences

On 18 June, the Ministry of the Civil Service and the National Institute of Public Administration (INAP) welcomed a delegation from the Kosovo Institute of Public Administration (KIPA) as part of a study visit focused on the exchange of experiences and best practices in the training of public sector employees.

This meeting forms part of a capacity-building programme funded by LuxDev (the Luxembourg Agency for Development Cooperation) and implemented by the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA), as part of the ‘Sustainable and Inclusive Growth in Kosovo’ project funded under the Memorandum of Understanding between Luxembourg and Kosovo in 2022. It marks a new stage in strengthening administrative cooperation between the two countries.

Tailoring training to future challenges

KIPA is the Kosovo government agency responsible for training public sector employees at central and local levels of public administration and for capacity-building within the public administration. As such, this visit provided an opportunity to share the approaches developed by both sides regarding the professionalisation of the civil service, skills development and the adaptation of training programmes to changes in the public service.

The discussions focused in particular on current issues relating to the training of public sector staff. They highlighted the need to continually adapt training provision to the new challenges facing public administrations, whether these relate to changes in job roles, the needs of staff or the opportunities offered by new technologies.

Use of new technological tools

In this context, INAP's management shared its experience in human resources development, the enhancement of competencies required for public service roles, and the implementation of a targeted training programme. Particular attention was given to how training initiatives can support newly recruited public officials by addressing their integration needs, skills development, and professional growth more effectively. The discussions also covered the use of new technological tools and how these can help enrich and modernise training programmes.

A lasting partnership

Beyond its technical aspects, this first visit by a Kosovar delegation to the Ministry of the Civil Service also carries significant symbolic importance. It demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening ties between the public administrations of Luxembourg and Kosovo and to fostering a lasting dialogue between the institutions of the two countries.

Luxembourg does indeed maintain close ties with Kosovo. It was one of the first European countries to recognise Kosovo’s independence in 2008 and to open an embassy in Pristina in 2013. Furthermore, around 1,200 Kosovar nationals currently reside in Luxembourg, illustrating the human and historical ties that bind the two countries.

Through this visit, the Ministry of the Civil Service reaffirms its commitment to international cooperation, the sharing of expertise and the development of public administrations.