Dear EUPAN Colleagues,
The inevitable moment of officially handing over the EUPAN Presidency is approaching rapidly. Looking back to the second semester of 2024, when we were evaluating the Strategy Paper 2022-2025 (SP), a number of initiatives and priorities were outlined for the Polish Presidency.
Our goal was twofold: to ensure the continuation of the work carried out by previous Presidencies and finalise “our” SP while also providing a positive impetus for shaping the Network’s forward-looking strategy for the next three-year period.
After nearly six months of joint efforts by EUPAN Colleagues and cooperating institutions, I am pleased to conclude that the Network’s objectives have been successfully achieved. This was clearly demonstrated during the EUPAN Directors General Meeting held on 27th–28th May in Warsaw, and further confirmed by the publication of the Report of the Polish Presidency in EUPAN and its tangible outcomes.
Let me briefly summarize the most important outcomes of our joint efforts and the developments achieved over the past six months.
The empirical study on Innovation and Effectiveness of Ethics Policies in Central Public Administrations in Europe was carried out in collaboration with the University of Vaasa in Finland and Professor Christoph Demmke. The report presents a range of insightful—and at times unexpected—trends and recommendations in this field, which I hope will prove valuable to EUPAN Members.
I also greatly appreciate the results of the second research project, Diagnosis of the Functioning of Well-being and Work-Life Balance Solutions in EUPAN Network Countries, conducted in partnership with the Polish foundation “Institute of Market and Social Research” (IBRiS).
Taking this opportunity, I would like to congratulate the Directors General on their approval of the new EUPAN Strategy Paper 2025–2028 during their meeting in Warsaw. I am confident that this forward-looking strategy—developed during the Polish Presidency in close cooperation with the entire EUPAN community—will provide a solid foundation for the next six Presidencies to design attractive and up-to-date work programmes.
During this semester, we also successfully completed the process of strengthening ties with EU candidate countries by granting EUPAN observer status to Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the approval of the Directors General.
Another highlight was the 10th European CAF Users’ Event, held in Warsaw in close collaboration with the European CAF Resource Centre hosted by EIPA and the network of CAF National Correspondents. The conference brought together over 130 participants from 21 countries to explore the theme: “Smart Governance: People-Centred, Efficiency-Driven.” The event showcased the “Golden 18” — a selection of 18 outstanding management practices from 13 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, and Spain.
The success and achievements of the Polish Presidency would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of all EUPAN Members, observer countries, and cooperating institutions. I would like to sincerely thank you all for your support of the Polish initiatives. My special gratitude goes to the EUPAN 5 Secretariat Members for their exceptional support in all EUPAN activities, and for their spirit of cooperation and consensus-building in the interest of the entire Network.
EUPAN has also greatly benefited from continued collaboration with EIPA, OECD, ReSPA, and GIZ.
Finally, I would like to extend my best wishes to the upcoming Danish and Cypriot Presidencies for a successful term, carried out in the same spirit of cooperation, support, and friendship that the Polish Presidency team has been fortunate to experience over the past months.
Let me also take this opportunity to wish you all a peaceful and joyful summer break. I look forward to seeing you in Copenhagen during the Danish Presidency!
Yours sincerely,
Anita Noskowska-Piątkowska
The Head of Civil Service