Kristo stresses regional cooperation and EU integration at Berlin process summit

Addressing attendees, Kristo highlighted Bosnia and Herzegovina’s active engagement in preparing for this year's summit, pointing to the Gender Equality Forum hosted in Sarajevo. She reiterated national backing for Common Regional Market (CRM 2) initiatives, which aim to streamline business operations, advance digital transformation, enhance transport networks, and boost regional tourism collaboration.

Underlining concrete achievements stemming from regional dialogue, Kristo noted the border crossing agreement signed with Croatia in June, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina's application to join the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), submitted in August.

Kristo stressed that high-level agreements must deliver measurable benefits for citizens and businesses alike. In particular, she called for sustainable solutions regarding the status of professional drivers and road transport operators from the Western Balkans navigating Schengen Area rules, given the specific demands of international logistics.

Reaffirming that full EU membership remains the strategic objective of BiH, Kristo stated that regional mechanisms must serve as a functional bridge toward that goal. She expressed expectations that the European Union would offer stronger support and formally acknowledge the country's reform progress.

According to an official statement from the Council of Ministers, Kristo also held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the summit with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajis, the hosts of this year's gathering.