This report provides an update on the ReSPA self-evaluation of merit recruitment in the Western Balkans, focusing on Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. It highlights overall stability in merit recruitment since 2021, with progress in outreach, digitalization, and professionalization of selection commissions. However, challenges remain, such as exemptions from merit recruitment, inconsistent examination systems, and inadequate onboarding processes. The report is divided into three parts: the first outlines the methodological framework, including six areas of merit recruitment and 23 supporting conditions; the second discusses key findings from the 2023 update; and the third provides recommendations to strengthen peer learning, improve onboarding and induction training, address the de-politicization of senior civil service roles, and suggests a follow-up evaluation in three years to assess progress.