PACE: EU Public Sector Exchange Program

In 2023, the European Commission launched the Public Administration Cooperation Exchange (PACE) under the Technical Support Instrument (TSI). This initiative promotes short-term, cross-border exchanges among civil servants in EU Member States to enhance reform capacity. 

The program is designed to strengthen the public sector’s ability to deliver digital transformation and support the green transition.

What Is PACE?

PACE facilitates practical collaboration through staff exchanges lasting from 5 days to 3 months. Participating civil servants observe, learn, and share policy solutions with their counterparts in other EU countries. These exchanges promote stronger networks, better coordination, and institutional learning across Europe.

Focus Areas

PACE supports Member States in five key policy domains:

• Digital Transformation – Enhancing online public services, justice systems, and user-centric government

• Green Transition – Supporting reforms in carbon pricing, energy, sustainable finance, and climate budgeting

• Administrative Performance – Improving service delivery, crisis response, and governance models

• Workforce Development – Building modern HR systems and leadership structures in public institutions

• EU Program Implementation – Strengthening the execution of national recovery and resilience plans

Why It Matters

Many countries face challenges in scaling reform, especially in the digital and environmental spheres. The public sector must lead the way in executing national and EU-wide strategies. Yet uneven capabilities, limited resources, and isolated practices can slow progress.

PACE directly addresses these issues by allowing civil servants to learn from each other, gain practical exposure, and adopt proven solutions. These exchanges empower public institutions to become more responsive, connected, and future-ready—especially in driving forward the green transition.

Initial Outcomes

Since its launch, PACE has:

• Enabled over 70 exchanges.

• Involved 18 participating EU countries.

• Addressed topics from climate finance to digital justice and smart public services.

Travel and participation costs are covered by the European Commission, making the program widely accessible.