Strengthening Integrity and Cooperation: RAI Brings Diplomats Together in Sarajevo

jThe Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI) Secretariat convened a high-level diplomatic working breakfast in Sarajevo, bringing together ambassadors, international partners, and regional stakeholders for a forward-looking exchange on integrity, cooperation, and good governance.

Led by Albert Hani, Director of the RAI Secretariat, the event served as a platform to reaffirm shared values, strengthen regional solidarity, and pave the way for deeper collaboration in advancing transparency and accountability across Southeast Europe.

This year marks a major milestone: 25 years of RAI’s leadership in building integrity and cooperation across Southeast Europe. Over the past quarter of a century, RAI has evolved into the region’s trusted platform for advancing transparency, accountability, and good governance — and will continue to grow as a driving force for reform.

This timely gathering comes at a moment of historic significance. For the first time, Bosnia and Herzegovina will actively participate in the Berlin Process framework during the Berlin Process Side Event in Sarajevo 2025. This milestone underscores the country’s growing role on the regional and European stage, while sending a clear message of commitment to reform, cooperation, and integration.

Elevating the political presence of RAI and placing the fight against corruption firmly within the scope of interest of political stakeholders and the international community remains one of RAI’s top priorities. “For this, strong cooperation and coordination between our member states, observers, partners, and supporters is essential — we are yours,” underlined Director Hani.

The breakfast also provided an opportunity to present RAI’s achievements, strategic priorities, and upcoming events, as well as the commitment to sustainability marked by the increase in Member States’ contributions.

A particular highlight was the upcoming Berlin Process Side Event in Sarajevo 2025, which will bring together governments, civil society, and international partners in a joint effort to advance transparency and good governance in Southeast Europe.

As a regional intergovernmental organization, RAI unites 9 member states—Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia—together with 5 observers—Greece, Ukraine, Poland, Georgia, and Slovenia—providing a trusted platform for collective action.

Special recognition was extended to ambassadors and representatives of Romania, Greece, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, Germany, Albania, and North Macedonia, as well as valued partners from Helvetas, EUPA4BiH, APIK, and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), for their contribution to the dialogue.

“This moment is not only about dialogue—it is about defining the political will and the regional unity necessary to shape a transparent and accountable future. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s participation in the Berlin Process is a turning point, and RAI is proud to stand at the heart of this process,” emphasized Director Hani.

Looking ahead, RAI will continue to serve as a bridge between governments, civil society, and international partners, advancing a common vision of integrity, cooperation, and European integration for Southeast Europe.