Montenegro’s Finance Minister Novica Vuković emphasized that stable public finance management is key to transparency, fiscal discipline, and public trust at the opening of the Regional Conference on Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms in the Western Balkans.
The conference, organized by the Regional School of Public Administration (ReSPA) in partnership with SIGMA/OECD, the IMF, and the Center for Excellence in Finance (CEF), brought together policymakers, experts, and practitioners from across the region.
ReSPA Director Maja Handjiska-Trendafilova highlighted that trust is central to PFM, ensuring public resources are used efficiently and transparently. French officials shared experiences in strategic coordination, while EU Deputy Head of Delegation Ricardo Serri stressed that citizens expect budgets reflecting their needs, institutions acting with integrity, and fair, efficient services. He noted that public finance reform supports democracy, social fairness, and economic resilience, aligning with EU integration goals.
The program included discussions on PFM strategies, public procurement reform, public investment, and risk management, with contributions from Montenegro’s Ministry of Finance and IMF experts. National administrations shared experiences in modernizing tax policies, producing recommendations for coherent and sustainable reforms.
ReSPA Program Manager Jelena Mrdak concluded that regional cooperation is essential for strengthening institutional capacity, fiscal management, and supporting the Western Balkans’ EU integration path.
