The Citizens First Conferences are a series of regional and national events focusing on citizens and civil society as partners and contributors in the design and monitoring of public administration reforms (PAR) in the Western Balkans, within the context of the region’s EU integration path. The conferences aim to strengthen and broaden dialogue on the development and implementation of inclusive and transparent PAR policies that genuinely respond to citizens’ needs. We believe that motivating governments to change requires strengthening bottom-up demand for better administration in the region—complementing the top-down requirements of the EU accession process and contributing to the sustainability of reforms for the benefit of citizens.

The Fourth Regional Citizens First Conference will be one of the central events of the WeBER 3.0 project, bringing together key stakeholders from across the PAR community in the Western Balkans. The cornerstone of the programme will be the presentation and discussion of the Regional and National PAR Monitor results. The Conference will also showcase good practices and “champions” of reform from across the region, stimulating peer learning and exchange. In addition, the programme will explore citizen engagement, citizen-centred approaches, and the use of design thinking and innovative methodologies to improve public service delivery.

The Conference will take place in Belgrade on 10–11 June 2026.