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Open Call for Participation

Executive Training Programme

Regional Cooperation, Common Regional Market Implementation and Gradual Integration into the EU Single Market

Background, objectives and scope

Europe Plus (E+), in cooperation with the Regional School of Public Administration (ReSPA), is organizing a three-day executive training module in Tirana from 21-23 April 2026.

The training is delivered within the framework of REPACT – Regional Executive Programme for Cooperation and Transformation, a regional policy and capacity-building platform designed to strengthen cooperation, improve reform implementation and support gradual integration into the EU Single Market. This module represents the first of six regional executive training courses to be delivered under REPACT across the Western Balkans.

Europe Plus invites applications from professionals engaged in EU-related reforms, regional cooperation and the implementation of the Common Regional Market (CRM).

The programme addresses a key regional challenge: despite growing momentum for enlargement, the EU Growth Plan and economic integration, implementation gaps persist due to coordination, capacity and enforcement constraints. Through peer exchange and cross-sector dialogue, participants will explore how regional cooperation, governance and rule of law standards support effective CRM implementation and gradual alignment with the EU Single Market.

 

Learning Focus

Participants will gain:

  • A practical understanding of EU enlargement, conditionality and gradual integration in EU Single Market
  • Regional Cooperation as a Preparatory Pathway to EU Integration
  • Clear insights into the governance and implementation of the Common Regional Market
  • An understanding of rule of law and regional judicial cooperation as market enablers

 

Eligibility criteria

This programme is designed for mid- and senior-level professionals from the Western Balkans who are directly involved in EU integration, reform coordination and Common Regional Market (CRM) processes. Eligible applicants include:

  • Public officials responsible for EU accession negotiations, sectoral alignment, reform coordination or CRM-related policy implementation
  • Representatives of civil society organizations contributing to EU-related reform and governance processes
  • Representatives of business associations contributing to CRM implementation and regional economic integration processes.

Applicants must demonstrate clear professional relevance to the focus of the training.

 

Expectations from Participants

Selected participants are expected to:

  • Be fluent in spoken and written English
  • Actively engage in discussions and group work
  • Present a concrete institutional or policy challenge related to CRM, EU integration or rule of law during the training
  • Contribute to peer learning and cross-regional exchange
  • Attend all sessions of the module

Participation and Funding

Up to 20 participants from across the Western Balkans will be selected, ensuring balanced regional representation. Travel, accommodation and training costs will be fully covered. Participants who complete the module will receive a certificate of completion issued by Europe Plus and ReSPA.

 

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

  • A Curriculum Vitae (maximum 3 pages)
  • A Motivation Letter (maximum 1 page) explaining how participation in the programme will support their professional work

Applications should be sent by 30 March 2026 to: info@europe-plus.com

Agenda Executive Training
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Dr. Xhon Skënderi is a legal expert specialising in EU integration, rule of law and cross-border legal frameworks, with over a decade of experience in legal reform and EU acquis alignment. He holds a Doctor of Laws (Dr. iur.) from the University of Passau, Germany, with a focus on European Private International Law, comparative law and European legal systems. He has extensive experience advising public institutions and international organisations on the approximation, implementation and enforcement of EU legislation, including legislative drafting, compliance assessments and institutional coordination. His work spans EU-funded and regional assignments across the Western Balkans, with a particular focus on judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters, regulatory alignment and evidence-based policy development. Dr. Skënderi is the author of numerous academic publications and policy studies in the fields of European law, cross-border dispute resolution and legal harmonisation, contributing to both scholarly debate and policy practice. Alongside his advisory work, he is an attorney and lecturer, combining academic excellence with practical legal expertise across civil and commercial law.
Ms. Donika Kamberi is a scholar of international law and global politics and currently serves as the Director of the Center for Peace and Transcultural Communication at the University of Tetova. She holds a Master’s degree in Global Politics and International Relations from the University of Macerata, Italy, and is pursuing a PhD in International Law at the South East European University. Her research focuses on peacebuilding, intercultural dialogue, international security, and the Western Balkans, with a strong emphasis on the EU’s role in regional stability and recent studies concerning the Russia–Ukraine war and the protection of civilians under international humanitarian law. Donika has published widely in international journals, participated in global conferences, and represents North Macedonia in international youth and leadership programs. She remains committed to advancing democratic values, conflict resolution, and meaningful cross-cultural cooperation. As Director of the Center since 2021, she has led initiatives promoting peace, dialogue, and cross-cultural understanding through research, conferences, and international cooperation. Kamberi has published widely in journals such as FREEDOM and JUSTICIA, contributed to translation projects, and participated in numerous international conferences and leadership programs, including the ACYPL Exchange Program sponsored by the U.S. Embassy. Her experience with NGOs and multicultural environments has strengthened her commitment to human rights and youth engagement, and she is recognized for her active involvement in academic, civic, and intercultural initiatives.
Dr. Enkeleida Tahiraj is an academic and consultant. She has taught Social Policy, Politics and Sociology at the University of Tirana; University of York; LSE, and UCL where she also directed a research program, was World Visiting Scholar at University of California San Diego and at Penn State University, USA, and Chevening Scholar at Sussex University, UK. She has presented at numerous academic conferences at Oxford, Harvard, UCL, LSE, Urbino-Italy, Petersburg State University-Russia, L-Università ta-Malta, and at policy impact events at FCO, ETF and Wilton Park.  Dr Tahiraj has advised international organizations including the European Commission, EUROFOUND, the UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women and the World Bank, the EU Mutual Information System on Social Protection (MISSOC), evaluated scientific programs for the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology, was special Adviser to IDS on WB Growth and Poverty Reduction as well as for national governments reforms. Dr Tahiraj's fields of research are EU Accession and Policy Transfer, Social Inclusion and Democratic Consolidation, Human Rights, Social protection rights-based policies Children, Gender & Family Policies, Social Security, Labour Markets and Employment, CSOs, Universal Basic Income and Policy Innovations.
Dr. Majlinda Bregu, is a policy leader, academic, and former politician with over two decades of experience in European integration, regional cooperation, and governance reform across South-East Europe. She currently serves as a Commissioner of the Pan- European Commission on Climate and Health (WHO).  From 2019 to 2024, Ms. Bregu served as Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, where she led flagship regional initiatives such as the Common Regional Market, the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, and the SEE2030 Strategy – strengthening the region’s alignment with EU standards and advancing cooperation under the Berlin Process. Previously, she served as Minister of European Integration and Government Spokeswoman of Albania (2007–2013), and as a Member of the Albanian Parliament (2005–2017), where she chaired both the European Integration Committee and the National Council for European Integration. A sociologist by training, Ms. Bregu has lectured widely at international universities and authored numerous publications on EU integration, governance, gender equality, and social development. Her leadership and commitment to regional cooperation and European integration have been recognized with several distinctions, including the Prespa Dialogue Award (2023) and the European Western Balkans Award (2021).