OSCE Mission to Skopje project to support public administration reform concludes

SKOPJE, 10 December 2009 - A seven-month OSCE project that helped strengthen the skills of the government's Public Administration Reform Unit concluded in Skopje today.

The OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje project included capacity-building activities for Unit's staff, a study visit in Slovenia and a series of seven forums where Unit staff shared their knowledge and experience with other civil servants. The last forum, which ended today, focused on the role of public administration reform in the country's EU integration efforts.

"There are still very important challenges ahead regarding public administration reform. In particular there is an urgent need to fully professionalize all levels of the public administration, in line with advanced democratic practices," said Ambassador Jose Luis Herrero, the Head of the OSCE Mission.