Earlier this June, a study visit to Brussels was organized as part of the EU-funded project “Integrated Human Resources Management in Public Administration of the Republic of Serbia.” A group of 12 representatives from Serbia’s public administration took part in an inspiring exchange of knowledge and experience with peers from Belgium’s federal civil service.

The visit brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government and the Human Resource Management Service, including Assistant Ministers Ivana Savićević and Mila Stanković, as well as Dr. Danilo Rončević, Director of the HRM Service. Hosted by Belgium’s Federal Public Service for Policy and Support (BOSA), the visit offered hands-on insights into how Belgium is modernizing its approach to human resource management.

Digital Tools That Make a Difference

Over three days, the Serbian team got a firsthand look at how Belgium brings competency-based HRM to life, especially when it comes to recruitment. They saw how competence-based testing and assessment centres are applied to build a hiring process that is both fair and focused on merit.

The conversations did not stop at hiring. Together with our Belgian hosts, the group explored how performance is planned, how goals are set, and how roles are clearly defined – all in ways that support transparency, accountability, and a sense of purpose within the public administration.

One of the strongest impressions came from seeing how digital systems are integrated into everyday HR processes. The Belgian team shared several of the tools they rely on:

• Symphony, for performance management,
• SEPP, used for monitoring and planning the workforce,
• Persopoint, their central HR and payroll platform.

Participants also explored platforms such as the Career Centre and Cornerstone Learning, which support continuous learning and mobility. These systems are not just about automation; they are about making HR smarter and more responsive to real needs.

What the Serbian delegation observed in Belgium will help guide upcoming work on improving Serbia’s HRM systems. That includes strengthening competency-based frameworks, refining recruitment practices, and building digital tools that make HR processes more efficient, transparent, and data-driven.

From April 16-19, 2024, a delegation of 12 Serbian public administration representatives visited Portugal within the scope of the “Integrated Human Resources Management in Public Administration” project. This visit aimed to gain insights into advanced human resources management (HRM) practices from one of the EU member states. Their hosts were from the Directorate General for Administration and Public Employment (DGAEP) in Portugal.

The knowledge gained from this visit is expected to help Serbia develop a robust HRM monitoring and evaluation system. By understanding the key success factors and best practices in Portugal, Serbian officials aim to implement similar strategies tailored to their national context. This will include creating comprehensive data collection methods, designing effective performance appraisal systems, and establishing competency frameworks that align with European standards. Ultimately, these improvements will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Serbian public administration, resulting in better service delivery and benefits for all citizens of Serbia.

This visit presents an important step in Serbia’s EU negotiation process, showcasing the country’s commitment to aligning its public administration practices with European standards. By adopting best practices from established EU member states like Portugal, Serbia aims to ensure a smoother integration process and demonstrate its readiness for EU membership.