European Model Of Public Administration Reform – Relevant Lessons For Serbia

Public administration reform (PAR) is achievable on Serbia’s road to full EU membership in line with European model, which assumes efficacy and better public service for all citizens. Although European Union does not have explicit competencies in the field of public administration, European model of PAR is defined in European administrative space (EAS) and in European principles, which derive from international standards and requirements, as well as from good practices in the EU Member States and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Candidate countries should ensure compliance with the European principles of PAR. Serbia, as a candidate country is in the official process of the accession to the EU, where the PAR is one of important criteria of national institutional adaptability to effective functioning of public services in line with European standards and principles. Furthermore, PAR is intertwined with the rule of law and democratic principles of good governance, which are the EU essential accession criteria. The process of Europeanisation of public administration in Serbia is underway. The paper is focused on relevant lessons of this process for Serbia and one of conclusions is that PAR is a continuous process in accordance with the requirements of the economy and the citizens’ needs.