Back Study Visit to Spain Supports Serbia’s Public Administration Modernisation Efforts

Study Visit to Spain Supports Serbia’s Public Administration Modernisation Efforts

Representatives of the Human Resources Management Sector of the Serbian Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government visited Spain on 4–5 June 2026 as part of the project “Human Resources Management in Local Self-Government – Phase III”. The study visit was organised within the framework of cooperation between an EU-funded and a Council of Europe–implemented project, supporting the ongoing modernisation of public administration and local self-government in Serbia.

Hosted by the Spanish Ministry for Digital Transformation and the Civil Service in Madrid, the delegation explored Spain’s approach to civil service management, talent attraction, workforce planning, professional development, and the use of digital tools in human resources management. Discussions also covered performance evaluation, quality management, inclusion policies, and current challenges in building a modern and effective public administration.

Meetings with representatives of local authorities provided practical insights into strategic workforce planning, staff development, and the use of performance indicators in local administrations. The discussions highlighted the importance of modern and evidence-based HR practices in delivering quality public services

The delegation also visited the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces and Getafe City Hall, where participants learned about local HR management practices, inter-municipal cooperation, and innovative approaches to strengthening public sector capacities.

The visit provided a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences and identify practices that can support the further professionalisation and modernisation of public administration in Serbia.


 

Spain 4-5 June 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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