Learning from Dutch Practices on EU Funds Governance and Reform Implementation
Kosovo institutions exchanged experiences and gained insights on governance, accountability, and EU funds management to support the implementation of the Reform Agenda under the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF) for the Western Balkans.
As Kosovo advances the implementation of its Reform Agenda and prepares to manage increased EU financial support through the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF), strengthening institutional capacities and coordination mechanisms has become increasingly important. To support these efforts, a delegation from Kosovo participated in a study visit to the Academy for Finance and Economics in The Hague, the Netherlands, with the support of the EU-funded project “Technical Assistance to Support the Implementation of Public Finance Management Reforms in Kosovo”, implemented by a consortium led by GIZ International Services.
The program focused on key areas relevant to Kosovo’s reform and EU integration process, including EU funds governance, risk management, internal control and audit, and performance-based financing. It provided a valuable opportunity for peer learning, cross-institutional cooperation, and the exchange of practical experiences with Dutch counterparts.
Throughout the program, participants explored the Dutch approach to the management, control, and oversight of EU funds. Particular attention was given to the Netherlands’ experience with the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), including institutional coordination, monitoring and reporting mechanisms, accountability frameworks, and the protection of the European Union’s financial interests.
Discussions highlighted the importance of strong internal control systems, transparent governance structures, and effective inter-institutional cooperation in ensuring the successful implementation of reforms and EU-funded programs.
Supporting Kosovo’s RGF Reform Agenda Implementation
The exchange was especially relevant in the context of Kosovo’s implementation of the RGF for the Western Balkans. Adopted on 9 October 2024, Kosovo’s Reform Agenda outlines 111 reform steps to be implemented by 2027/2028, linking progress in reforms to EU financial assistance through grants and loans for priority investments.
Under the RGF, implementing institutions are required to establish effective coordination, monitoring, reporting, control, and audit mechanisms, while ensuring regular reporting to the European Commission on achieved progress. The Dutch experience provided practical examples of how these systems can be organised and implemented, offering valuable lessons for Kosovo’s institutions as they advance reform implementation.
The delegation included representatives from institutions involved in governance, accountability, public financial management, and EU integration processes in Kosovo.
Reflections from Participants
Ms. Vlora Spanca, Auditor General of Kosovo, highlighted the importance of learning from established European practices in governance, accountability, and oversight.
“The study visit constituted a valuable and practice-oriented exchange designed for key institutions of the governance and accountability framework, with a focus on strengthening institutional coordination and capacity in relation to the Reform Agenda and the integrity of EU funds,” said Ms. Spanca.
She further emphasized that exposure to Dutch practices in governance, accountability, and reform implementation provided important insights for enhancing transparency, institutional coherence, and oversight mechanisms in Kosovo.
“The exchanges further reaffirmed the importance of robust internal control frameworks and clearly defined accountability structures in safeguarding public resources and sustaining confidence in the management of EU-funded programmes,” she added.
Mr. Artan Collaku, Director of the Office of Coordination of the Stabilisation and Association Process within the Office of the Prime Minister, underlined the practical value of the exchange for Kosovo’s work on the Reform and Growth Facility.
“I found the study visit to The Hague highly useful and practical for our work on the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF), particularly in understanding how the Netherlands has implemented the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF),” said Mr. Collaku.
He noted that the experience provided valuable insights into institutional roles and responsibilities, implementation processes, monitoring and reporting mechanisms, and the management of EU funds.
For Mr. Rexhep Vasolli, Director for European Integration and Policy Coordination at the Ministry of Finance, the visit offered an important opportunity to deepen understanding of reform implementation and EU funds governance.
“The study visit was a valuable learning experience that enhanced my understanding of reform implementation and EU funds governance. It strengthened my knowledge of coordination and monitoring processes, reporting mechanisms, audit and control systems, and inter-institutional cooperation,” said Mr. Vasolli.
The knowledge and practical insights gained during the programme will support Kosovo’s institutions in strengthening governance, accountability, and oversight mechanisms necessary for the successful implementation of the RGF Reform Agenda, contributing to the country’s broader EU alignment and accession efforts.