2nd SIGMA NETWORKING SEMINAR

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2nd SIGMA NETWORKING SEMINAR

• OECD Conference CentreParis 27-28 November 2008

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Experience on PAR in Croatia

• European Commission

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Constantino Longares Barrio

• EC official. Head of Operations section EC
  Delegation BiH
• Head of Operations section EC Delegation HR
• DG ELARG
• EC Delegation Poland
• UN and others in Bulgaria and Romania

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Public Administration Reform and Enlargement

• What are we talking about?
• PAR is a condition for accession
• As such it is not well defined
• But recent experiences show the potential
  problems
• PAR in the networked society

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The experience from previous enlargement

• Reforms should be undertaken well in advance in
  the enlargement process
• Cross cutting reforms very relevant
• Lack of clear indication about what this means
• Need to organize ideas and steps to be followed

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Candidate countrys perspective

• Reforms are needed, but only to some extent
• Why do Donors/EC push so much?
• Ready to accept assistance but then reluctant to
  implement the results
• Why is all this needed?

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Situation in Croatia

• Opinion on HR accession (2005)
• Subsequent progress reports highlight
  shortcomings
• Lack of strategic approach
• Lack of adequate resources
• Lack of political feasibility

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What did the EC do to help?

• Financed projects
• Advocated for changes
• Engaged experts like SIGMA
• Tried to cooperate/coordinate action with other
  donors

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IS THIS NEW?

• NO. The novelty is that we succeeded in helping.
• This is not always the case.

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KEY SUCCESS ELEMENTS

• A clear initial assessment (SIGMA)
• Adequate timeline
• Adequate sequencing
• Coordination with other donors

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What does it take to get there?

• Vision (MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT)
• Leadership
• Openness to different models/advices
• (Some) ownership

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Some challenging elements

• Delays in implementation.
• First project for HR programmed in 2001
• Law only adopted in 2005 and entered into force
  in 2006
• EC programming and implementation cycle

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Recommendations for potential candidate countries

• Start from the beginning. SIGMA assessment or
  peer reviews.
• Plan several years ahead
• Dont do everything yourself. Let other donors
  help
• Be pragmatic. Some ownership is enough to start

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DID WE MISS ANYTHING?

• Linkage with fight against corruption
• Linkage with the conditions for accession related
  to rule of law
• More citizen information about changes

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Thank you for your attention

• constantino.longares_at_ec.europa.eu