About the Programme

The Knowledge for Reform Action in the Western Balkans Programme provides capacity development and assistance to government institutions across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia as they pursue EU integration and engage in reform processes. The Programme reflects Norway's commitment to support the region and is implemented by UNOPS.

Norway and UNOPS' joint commitment

“Norway is committed to supporting the Western Balkan countries in their European integration and reform processes. This programme offers capacity to accelerate the progress on their respective national reform agendas”, highlighted Ms. Kristin Melsom, former Director for Southeast Europe in the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, currently Ambassador of Norway to Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro. 

“The joint Norway/UNOPS programme provides advisory support to beneficiaries’ requests, in response to their immediate reform needs and priorities, and in accordance with EU recommendations. In the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the programme focuses on advice related to its EU integration process and the Green Agenda - energy, environment, and smart mobility” noted H.E. Mr. Olav Reinertsen, Ambassador of Norway to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“UNOPS is honored to implement this joint initiative with Norway. The K4R programme has gained momentum and our direct EU integration support is now widely recognised. With highly effective structures and systems in place, we are ready to deliver and bridge knowledge and implementation gaps, facilitating reform action across the Western Balkans” noted Tim Lardner, UNOPS’ Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia.

H.E. Ms. Kristin Melsom, Ambassador of Norway to Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro, H.E. Mr. Olav Reinertsen, Ambassador of Norway to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Mr. Tim Lardner, UNOPS’ Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia.
H.E. Ms. Kristin Melsom, Ambassador of Norway to Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro, H.E. Mr. Olav Reinertsen, Ambassador of Norway to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Mr. Tim Lardner, UNOPS’ Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia.

Programme introduction by Jochen Penker, UNOPS Chief Technical Advisor

The programme's direction is guided by valuable feedback from beneficiaries, focusing currently on Cluster 4, which encompasses the Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity and Cluster 5 (Resources, Agriculture & Cohesion) at both country-specific and regional levels. Within Clusters 2-5, the project will evaluate beneficiary requests through a climate lens, giving particular attention to the climate impact of UNOPS services, in compliance with SDG 13 and 7 as well as the European Green Deal.

Collaborative partnerships with the European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN) diplomatic missions are integrated into the programme's operations through close consultations, facilitating comprehensive engagement and cooperation.

UNOPS is responsible for managing and implementing the programme, delivering advisory services and specialized expertise to partner governments in the Western Balkan region. The programme's primary objective is to strengthen institutional, administrative, and legislative frameworks through cooperative capacity development efforts. To achieve this, UNOPS establishes strategic linkages with existing national, regional, and international initiatives, fostering synergies.