France’s CNFPT and the International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration (IASIA) have prepared an inventory of the administrations of 49 European countries, identifying the major changes and reforms carried out since the 2008 financial crisis. This report highlights the general trend — driven by budget cuts — to merge local government entities and eliminate intermediary echelons, as well as a slight effort to strengthen regional government.

A royal decree in Belgium now authorises the public sector to use temporary staff. Temps may be used only in the following cases: replacement of a contract employee (due to a temporary leave of absence or termination) or a civil servant on long-term leave or moving to part-time work; additional staff cover for peaks of activity; or exceptional work (limited to six specific situations).

This initial study by Polish and Hungarian researchers aims to establish a better understanding of innovation capacities and processes. According to the researchers, public administration is fostering creative workplaces in all countries, but progress is still hampered by factors such as an unfavourable institutional framework, weak innovation leadership and insufficient data collection.