Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative at Berlin Process Handover in Berlin

As the United Kingdom takes over the chairmanship of the Berlin Process in 2025 and the British Council prepares to host this year’s Civil Society Forum (CSF), a handover session was organized in Berlin by the Aspen Institute Germany and the Southeast Europe Association.

The event gathered leading civil society organizations from the Western Balkans, who shared their key messages and expectations with representatives of the UK and German governments.

Representing the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI), our newly appointed Director of the Secretariat, Mr. Albert Hani, took part in the session. He warmly congratulated the Aspen Institute and the Southeast Europe Association for their continued commitment and success in organizing the Civil Society Forum and ensuring that the Forum’s recommendations are consistently reflected at the WB6 Leaders’ Summits.

Mr. Hani also extended congratulations to the UK Government and the British Council for taking on the important role of hosting the Berlin Process in 2025.

In his intervention, Mr. Hani:

1. Formally requested that anti-corruption be included as a cross-cutting topic on the agenda of the upcoming CSF in Montenegro.
2. Urged the UK hosts of the Berlin Process to ensure that RAI is included in all major events of this year’s Process, including the Leaders’ Summit in London.
3. Emphasized that anti-corruption measures must be integral parts of all agreements resulting from the Berlin Process.

He also highlighted the importance of reaffirming the Western Balkans Anti-Corruption Statement and the Joint Security Statement, stressing that:

“Democracy and human rights are key pillars for EU integration. As corruption remains a significant barrier on this path, it is essential that anti-corruption is not just a topic—but a visible, crosscutting priority embedded across all Berlin Process agreements.”

RAI strongly advocates that all multilateral agreements under the Berlin Process include dedicated chapters on anti-corruption and conflict of interest, and that these are developed in close cooperation with RAI experts, ensuring alignment with existing mechanisms and commitments.

Berlin, June 3, 2025