BMF/JVI Course on Public Financial Management and Administrative Reforms

The one-week Public Financial Management and Administrative Reforms (PFAR) course has been a flagship offering of the JVI’s training portfolio since 2018. Organized by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) in collaboration with the JVI, this year’s course took place from November 25–29, attracting a diverse cohort of participants eager to advance their expertise in public financial management (PFM) and administrative reforms.

Tailored for officials from ministries of finance, economy, and fiscal advisory bodies, the PFAR course delves into key aspects of PFM while embedding them in a broader public administration reform context. Expert presentations from the BMF and Austrian institutions, such as the Federal Ministry of Civil Service, the Federal Computing Centre, and the Parliamentary Budget Office, provided a unique focus on Austrian and EU case studies. Contributions from international organizations, including the IMF and the EBRD, enriched the course’s relevance for the JVI region.

This year’s agenda comprised 13 lectures on topics such as recent trends in PFM and administrative reforms, modern tax administrations features, issues in budgeting and budget management, fiscal governance, long-term budgetary challenges, digitalization and eGovernment issues. Participants appreciated the engaging mix of lectures and practical exercises, including two interactive workshops that spurred lively discussions and hands-on learning. A standout element of the program was two sessions hosted at the BMF’s historic Winter Palace, which included a guided tour and a reception, offering participants a unique blend of learning and cultural enrichment.

The course welcomed 27 participants from 17 countries, who gave it outstanding ratings for overall satisfaction in the end-of-course evaluation. Participants valued the course’s practical focus, the diversity of case studies, and opportunities for interactive engagement.

The next PFAR course at the JVI is scheduled for November 24–28, 2025, promising another opportunity for officials to enhance their skills and contribute to advancing PFM and administrative reforms in their home countries.

Markus Eller, Senior Economist, JVI

Magdalena Mandl, Policy Officer DG Budget, BMF