From November 17 to 19, 2025, the GOVERNANCE project reached a significant milestone: the Mid-Term Review, an essential event that brought together representatives and experts from Italy, Albania and Montenegro to reflect on the project’s achievements and outline the next steps towards enhancing public administration across the South Adriatic.

The project has already demonstrated real impact. One of the standout achievements is the ongoing implementation of Digital Maturity Surveys, a vital tool for assessing how prepared local governments are for digital transformation. Using the DIGITS model, developed by the National Consortium for Informatics (CINI), these surveys measure key aspects of digital governance, including data management, service delivery, staff skills, and cybersecurity. The surveys, which have been completed in Italy and are now being launched in Albania and Montenegro, are providing valuable insights into each region’s digital readiness and guiding tailored strategies for further innovation.

But the project is not only about gathering data; it’s also about action. The Upskilling for Governance program, launched in Bari in October 2025, is training public sector employees to meet the evolving needs of digital governance. This program focuses on building skills in digital innovation, managing European funds, and simplifying public services. By empowering public servants with the right tools and knowledge, the project is strengthening the region’s administrative capacity, helping to make public services more accessible, efficient, and citizen-friendly.

Meanwhile, Montenegro has made significant strides with the development of a new Information System for the Ministry of Finance. This system is designed to simplify the management of EU funds, making it easier for public officials to track, manage, and allocate resources transparently. The new system will also enhance the interaction between government and citizens, ensuring that services are delivered faster, more accurately, and more transparently.

Looking ahead to 2026, the project is set to continue its transformative journey. The next phase, discussed extensively during the Partnership Meeting on November 18-19, will focus on scaling up the digital tools developed so far. Key actions will include the digitalization of document management systems for IPA III programmes and the implementation of a Joint Strategic Model for digital governance, which will create a framework for ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange across the South Adriatic.

The Mid-Term Review reinforced the importance of cross-border cooperation in advancing digital transformation. The GOVERNANCE project is a shining example of how working together can overcome regional challenges and deliver practical solutions that improve public services. As the project moves forward, the focus will remain on delivering tangible digital solutions that help create a more connected, transparent, and efficient public administration, one that is ready to meet the demands of the future.