Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Integrity: RAI’s 47th Steering Board and Partner Meetings in Sarajevo

The Regional Anti-corruption Initiative (RAI) successfully concluded a two-day series of meetings in Sarajevo, reaffirming its commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability across South East Europe. Representatives of RAI member states, regional partners, and international organisations gathered to review progress, share experiences, and shape the priorities for the period ahead.

47th Steering Board Meeting: Advancing Shared Priorities

The 47th Steering Board Meeting of the RAI Secretariat brought together representatives of member states and partners to discuss achievements and upcoming goals in promoting good governance in the region.

The meeting agenda included:

1. 1. Review of the RAI Secretariat’s activities and results in 2025;
   2. Adoption of the work plan and budget for the upcoming period;
   3. Progress in implementing regional initiatives, including the SEE-ERA project on gender equality in research and innovation;
   4. Discussion of new opportunities for cooperation with partner organisations.

In his remarks, Mr. Albert Hani, Director of RAI, highlighted the importance of partnership and mutual trust as the foundation of sustainable regional progress:

“Our strength lies in partnership and trust. By working together, we can make anti-corruption efforts in South East Europe more effective, sustainable, and impactful.”

The meeting reaffirmed the collective commitment of RAI member states to continue advancing transparency and accountability through regional collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Partner Meeting: Building on 25 Years of Cooperation

Building on the outcomes of the Steering Board Meeting, RAI hosted a working meeting with its partners, celebrating 25 years of collaboration, dialogue, and shared achievements.

The session focused on strengthening joint initiatives, exchanging experiences, and identifying new opportunities to enhance regional cooperation. Participants underlined their continued commitment to shared values and collective action for a more transparent and resilient region.

Mr. Arslan Umut Ergezer, Deputy Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), reflected on the importance of trust and collaboration in addressing regional challenges:

“The threats are real, but so are the solutions. By prioritising regional cooperation, building trust, strengthening our defences, and sharing knowledge, we can build a safer and more resilient South-East Europe.”

RAI expressed its gratitude to long-standing partners and colleagues from the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), IISG Secretariat, NALAS Network, AIRE Centre Western Balkans, Regional School of Public Administration (ReSPA), Central European Initiative (CEI), RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation, and UNODC – United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for their enduring partnership and support.

Looking Ahead

As RAI marks a quarter-century of regional collaboration, both meetings reaffirmed the shared vision of building stronger institutions, promoting integrity, and deepening cooperation among South East European countries.

Together with its partners, RAI remains dedicated to advancing good governance, strengthening regional solidarity, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability across the region.

➡️ The conclusions and key outcomes of the meetings will be published soon.