Back Study Visit to Portugal Strengthens Professional Development and Quality Management in Public Administration

Study Visit to Portugal Strengthens Professional Development and Quality Management in Public Administration

Representatives of the Sector for Professional Development of the Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government (MPALSG) participated in a two-day study visit to Lisbon, Portugal, on 30 June – 1 July 2026, organised within the framework of the European Union/ Council of Europe project “Human Recourses management in local self-government - phase 3”. The visit provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and learn about Portuguese practices in professional development, public administration reform and quality management.

The study visit provided an opportunity for the Serbian delegation to gain first-hand insight into Portuguese practices in professional development, human resource management and quality management in public administration at both central and local levels. Through exchanges with Portuguese counterparts, participants explored approaches to strengthening civil servants' competencies, supporting lifelong learning, promoting organisational excellence and enhancing the effectiveness of public institutions.

Particular attention was given to innovative approaches to professional development, the role of training institutions in building administrative capacities, and the application of quality management tools in public administration. The programme also enabled participants to learn about successful practices that contribute to creating a modern, efficient and citizen-oriented public administration.

The knowledge and experience gained during the visit will support the ongoing efforts of the MPALSG to further strengthen the professional development system for public servants and advance public administration reform in line with European standards.


 

Lisbon, Portugal 30 June - 1 July 2026
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The project “Human Resources Management in Local Self-Government – phase 3” builds on previous efforts to modernise human resource management in Serbian local self-governments. It aims to strengthen the human resources management and professional development at the local level while supporting public administration reforms.

 

What is the goal and objective of the action?

The project seeks to consolidate the results of the first two phases aiming to advance the public administration reform in Serbia, notably through modernising human resource management and professional development of public servants at the local level.

 Funding: The project is co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe

 Duration of the project: 3 February 2025 – 2 November 2027

The Project is implemented by the Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.

 

Who benefits from the action?

•             Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Governments

•             Local Self-Governments in Serbia

•             National Academy for Public Administration

•             Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities            

•             Civil society, academic community, media, Serbian citizens

 

How does the action work?

The HRM in LSG III project implementation methodology is based on capacity building actions, technical assistance to the beneficiaries at the national and local level, know-how of the Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance of the CoE, use of tools developed under the previous project phases (in close partnership with Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities in Serbia - SCTM) and networking activities with the CoE member States. Special attention will be given to peer learning, exchange of good practice, strengthening of HRM networks, locally and internationally, as well as raising the visibility of key HRM reforms.

 

What do we expect to achieve?

  • MPALSG has an improved framework, and LSGs have increased capacities to deliver effective HRM and professional development functions and planning at local level.

  • MPALSG has strengthened capacities and an improved framework to coordinate effective professional development and lifelong learning of public servants.

  • Improved effectiveness and efficiency in coordination, harmonisation and communication between institutions for HRM and professional development.

 

Reference documents

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