Reilly at conference in Sarajevo: Corruption is a burden for all Western Balkan countries

(Patria) - As part of this year's Berlin Process, hosted by the United Kingdom, a regional meeting dedicated to the fight against corruption in the Western Balkans region was held in Sarajevo today.

The conference "Anti-Corruption as a Driver of Good Governance in the Western Balkans" brought together representatives of the justice ministries of the Western Balkan countries, representatives of the EU and international partners, as well as experts, academia, and civil society organizations.



Participants focused on two key themes: "Strengthening Integrity Systems through Regional Cooperation: From Political Commitments to Effective Implementation" and "Anti-Corruption as the Foundation of Regional Stability and Economic Growth".

This event represents an important milestone in regional efforts to build trust, strengthen the rule of law, and create transparent and fair governance systems, which is crucial for a stable and prosperous future for the Western Balkans and its European path.

Recommendations were agreed upon, committing the participants of the Berlin Process to strengthening the political and legal framework for preventing and combating corruption and organized crime as key foundations for regional integration, economic growth, and strengthening integrity systems.

The most important recommendations also include the adoption and effective implementation of the International Agreement on Data Exchange for Verification of Asset Declarations, initiated by the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative.



These recommendations will be submitted for consideration and adoption at the meeting of the Ministers of Internal Affairs and Security (October 15 in London), and to the Chairperson of the Berlin Process at the Leaders' Summit on October 22 in London.

The conference was organized by the Government of the United Kingdom, the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative, the Ministry of Justice of BiH, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH, together with partners HELVETAS and the European Union Support to Police Agencies in BiH (EUPA4BiH) project, and with the support of the AIRE Centre and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

- Corruption is a burden for all Western Balkan countries as it undermines trust and aids organized crime. Governments need to work together and cross-border to counter threats that target everyone.

Joining the International Agreement on Data Exchange for Verification of Asset Declarations is a step in the right direction - said the British Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Julian Reilly.

- Building trust, transparency, and integrity are our focus today. True progress comes from openness and information exchange within the network we are building. It is important to show citizens that those in power are there for them and that they act with integrity.

This is precisely the essence of the fight against corruption and restoring trust in institutions, because only together can we succeed in this great struggle - said the Director of the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative, Albert Hani.



The Berlin Process is one of the most important platforms for advancing regional cooperation, European integration, and reconciliation in the Western Balkans. It focuses on strengthening integrity, the rule of law, and the fight against corruption as key prerequisites for stability, security, and economic development.

The Berlin Process was launched in 2014 as a platform to strengthen cooperation between the Western Balkans and the EU. This year, the United Kingdom is hosting the Berlin Process.