On 1 January 2019, a new Law on Civil Service will take effect in the Baltic state. The changes include centralised recruitment with the requirement to publish details of all positions, overhauling compensation by including certain qualification-related bonuses, and appraisals. Mentoring agreements, with a maximum two-year term, will be offered to pensioners (aged 65 and above) who will pass on their know-how.

Historically, Austrian civil servants have been entitled to a special scheme but now the calculation of their pension entitlement is changing. This will affect staff born after 1955. For those born prior to 1976, the current calculation method will remain in force for the years up to 2005 and the new arrangements will apply for the following years. For staff born after 1976, all the acquired rights will be transferred to this new system (already applied to contract staff).

The OECD has conducted its first review of a national public sector innovation system in a country which is constantly seeking to develop a culture and practice of measurement, evaluation and innovation in programme and policy design and delivery. At public service level, the “Free Agents” program and the inter-organisational leadership policy deserve to be mentioned.