The paper deals with a comparative presentation of public administration reforms in transition countries and the countries of the European Union. Montenegro and Serbia were selected for transition countries, while Slovenia and Croatia were selected for European Union countries. First, a comparative presentation of the reforms of transition countries was made, and then of the Union countries. It was established that in all observed countries, the reforms take place in stages. The pursuit of European integration has a significant impact on the speed and intensity of public administration reforms. All countries, considering the process of independence and declaration of independence, first had to establish a new system of institutions. As a rule, changes in the public administration system first refer to the state administration, then to the area of local and regional self-government, and only finally to public services. It was established that in all countries, regardless of the level of development, the legal and strategic framework is first established, which in itself is not easy and requires a lot of time. After the establishment of an adequate legal and strategic framework, reforms of the public administration system follow, as well as finding answers to specific challenges in accordance with the elements of public administration. A common characteristic of all countries is the need for continuous modernization of public administration. The main difference between the transition countries and the EU countries in the implementation of reforms is that the transition countries are now in the phase of implementing reforms that the EU countries have already gone through. 63In Slovenia, there is no need for reform in the true sense of the word, but there is a need for continuous modernization and digital transformation of public administration. This need also exists in Croatia, however, there is also a need for new reforms, and the area of human resources management in public administration is particularly problematic. Montenegro and Serbia are still harmonizing to a greater extent with European standards and principles of public administration such as openness, transparency and accountability.