Reflecting on the Matra Rule of Law Training Programme in 2025
In 2025, the Matra Rule of Law Training Programme continued to strengthen a growing community of reform‑minded civil servants committed to advancing the rule of law. Throughout the year, more than 200 participants joined the programme and became part of the expanding alumni network.
The participants took part in seven trainings covering key topics related to the rule of law:
- Administration of Justice
- Integrity of Civil Servants
- Public Procurement
- Management of Public Services
- Management of Borders
- Human Rights
- Democratic Institutions
Each training brought together dedicated professionals from different institutions in 10 different countries, creating a dynamic learning environment focused on peer-to-peer exchange.
Back Home Action Plans
A core element of the programme is the development of a Back Home Action Plan. Working in country teams, participants identify concrete challenges within their sphere of influence, and design action plans they can implement in the months following the training.
Several country teams have already shared inspiring results from the implementation phase of their action plans, demonstrating how the programme supports reform efforts in the participating countries.
Two examples of successfully implemented Back Home Action Plans can be found here:
Strengthening partnerships in the region
In November 2025, the consortium partners also visited Albania and Montenegro to raise awareness of the Matra Rule of Law Training Programme and to engage with various government institutions. These visits provided an opportunity to exchange views on current rule of law challenges, discuss the training needs of various institutions, present the programme’s objectives, and strengthen cooperation with national counterparts.
By meeting directly with institutions in the region, the programme continues to ensure that its content remains relevant for reform efforts in the participating countries.
Looking ahead
The consortium would like to sincerely thank all experts, participants and partners for their valuable contributions throughout the year. Special gratitude goes to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) for their continued support of the programme.
The consortium looks forward to continuing this work together, and to strengthen the rule of law.
About the programme
The Matra Rule of Law Training Programme is designed and delivered by the Netherlands Helsinki Committee, Leiden Law School and The Hague Academy for Local Governance. The programme is commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and implemented by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) on behalf of the Ministry.
Learn more about the programme here.
