EU Strategy for the Adriatic - Ionian Region

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EU Strategy for the Adriatic - Ionian Region

The strategy will also contribute to the further integration of the Western Balkans.

The objective of EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) is to promote economic and social prosperity and growth in the region by improving its attractiveness, competitiveness and connectivity. EUSAIR covers nine countries: four EU Member States (Croatia, Greece, Italy, Slovenia) and five non-EU countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia), which

agreed on areas of mutual interest with high relevance for the Adriatic-Ionian countries, being it common challenges or opportunities. The countries are aiming to create synergies and foster coordination among all territories in the Adriatic-Ionian Region in the four thematic areas/ pillars:
- Blue Growth,
- Connecting the Region (Transport and Energy),
- Environmental Quality,
- Sustainable Tourism. EUSAIR’S MISSION:
Connecting people and institutions to build a common understanding of cooperation for a harmonised, integrated and sustainable region. EUSAIR’S VISION:
Joint multi-level solutions for common challenges towards a stronger Adriatic and Ionian region.

04/08/2025

registrations are OPEN!

Join thousands of changemakers in Brussels and online to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and shape the future of EU regions and cities.
📍13 - 15 October 2025
📍 Brussels & Online

On the programme:
🔹 209 sessions
🛠️ 42 workshops
🎙️ 42 political debates
🧠 31 interactive sessions
💬 29 talks
🏢 55 stands
🍽️ 10 tastings

REGIOSTARS Awards ceremony, Megalizzi–Niedzielski prize, and much more!

Check the programme and register now: https://regions-and-cities.europa.eu/programme/2025

31/07/2025

🥁 Registrations are opened for the EU Macro Regional & Sea Basin Strategies Days 2025!

Follow the link and secure your place: https://register.event-works.europa.eu/dgscic/Sea_Basin_Strategy_Days2025/e/lk/g/84680/k/

📅 24–25 September 2025
📍 AREA 42, Rue des Palais 46, 1030 Brussels, Belgium

Agenda and more information: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/whats-new/conferences/EU-strategies-days-2025_en

29/07/2025

📣 Registrations are CLOSING SOON!

Spots are filling up fast for the 10th Anniversary of the Mediterranean Coast and Macro-Regional Strategies Week, 15–17 September 2025 in beautiful Izola, Slovenia! 🌊

Join participants from across Europe for three inspiring days of connection, collaboration, and action on big topics like post-2027 EU Cohesion Policy and climate resilience.

With voices from all four EU macro-regional strategies, civil society, academia, and government, this year’s edition is set to be our most exciting yet.

⏳ Don’t wait — secure your spot before we reach full capacity!

Register Here https://www.adriatic-ionian.eu/event/mediterranean-coast-and-macro-regional-strategies-week-2025-stronger-cooperation-for-better-future/registrations/

28/07/2025

Next stop: 🇲🇰 North Macedonia!

On June 1st, the Republic of North Macedonia took over the EUSAIR & AII Presidency — and it’s a milestone year: 5 years in EUSAIR, 7 in AII, and a future-focused agenda ahead. 🌟

With priorities rooted in regional cooperation, EU integration, youth engagement, and sustainable growth, North Macedonia is ready to build on momentum and shape the path ahead. 🌍🤝

Read the Programme and indicative Timetable of the Presidency of North Macedonia here 🔗 https://www.adriatic-ionian.eu/republic-of-north-macedonia-takes-over-presidency-of-eusair/

Video © Pexels – Durim Zeqiri

27/07/2025

On the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of EUSAIR, we discover what motivates people and countries to continue implementing the Strategy.

🌱 Building up skills for sustainable growth (5/5)

In 2023, 🇸🇲 San Marino hosted the AI-NURECC PLUS side-event “Skills Development for the Sustainable Growth of the Adriatic-Ionian Region.”

This major milestone brought together policymakers, EU reps, and civil society 🤝—highlighting San Marino’s growing role in regional cooperation, especially on sustainability and youth empowerment 💡🌍.

Minister Federico Pedini Amati emphasized projects like The Lovely Places, linking San Marino with Italian regions to promote responsible tourism and cultural heritage 🏞️.

The event aligned with the European Year of Skills, giving San Marino access to key tools like:

✅ The GreenComp sustainability competence model
✅ Insights on green labor markets from the European Training Foundation 📘💼

Hosting this event boosted San Marino’s visibility, strengthened its integration into regional frameworks, and marked real progress toward a greener, more connected Adriatic-Ionian future 🌊🔗.

Read the whole story 🔗 https://www.adriatic-ionian.eu/10-years-of-the-eu-strategy-for-the-adriatic-and-ionian-region/10-years-of-the-eu-strategy-for-the-adriatic-and-ionian-region-san-marino-perspective/

26/07/2025

On the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of EUSAIR, we discover what motivates people and countries to continue implementing the Strategy.

🚀 International involvement empowers young people (4/5)

Since 2023, 🇸🇲 San Marino has competed in the POPRI International Youth Business Model Competition, where young innovators pitch impactful ideas from across the Adriatic-Ionian region 💡🌍.

👩‍🎓 2023: Four students debuted with an innovative business model — a first step toward aligning national education with EUSAIR’s vision.

🧠 2024: The winning project CAP featured a neural implant translating thoughts into images to help people with disabilities — representing San Marino in Šibenik 🇭🇷.

🌱 2025: Students from the University of San Marino pitched Algaepack in Crete 🇬🇷, focused on sustainable packaging and environmental protection.

📈 San Marino’s steady presence in POPRI reflects its commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, and macro-regional integration. Through these competitions, students gain valuable international experience while the country helps shape a more connected, sustainable region. 🌍🤝

Read the whole story https://www.adriatic-ionian.eu/10-years-of-the-eu-strategy-for-the-adriatic-and-ionian-region/10-years-of-the-eu-strategy-for-the-adriatic-and-ionian-region-san-marino-perspective/

Tomorrow:
Building up skills for sustainable growth (5/5)

25/07/2025

On the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of EUSAIR, we discover what motivates people and countries to continue implementing the Strategy.

🎓 Strategic Youth Empowerment through EUSAIR (3/5)

In 2023, San Marino 🇸🇲 hosted the seminar “Opportunities for Educational Institutions and Local Communities” to promote youth involvement in EU-funded regional initiatives 🌍.

Organized with the Cooperation and Development Institute and the European Commission 🇪🇺, the event supported the EUSAIR Youth Manifesto and encouraged youth voices in policymaking 🗣️.

Minister Andrea Belluzzi 🇸🇲 highlighted:
“The young San Marino citizen, precisely through cultural exchange, will be able to build their identity as a citizen of the Union. This is a mutual opportunity.”🤝

San Marino actively invests in youth policy, supporting access to programs like Erasmus+ 🎒, even as a non-EU member. EUSAIR is key to connecting youth with international opportunities ✈️📚.

The country also backed the EUSAIR Youth Council selection process, strengthening its growing youth diplomacy and giving young people valuable experience, networks, and insight into regional cooperation 🔗✨

Read the whole story https://www.adriatic-ionian.eu/10-years-of-the-eu-strategy-for-the-adriatic-and-ionian-region/10-years-of-the-eu-strategy-for-the-adriatic-and-ionian-region-san-marino-perspective/

Tommorow (4/5):
International involvement empowers young people

24/07/2025

On the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of EUSAIR, we discover what motivates people and countries to continue implementing the Strategy.

🇸🇲 San Marino strengthens its regional role through active participation in EUSAIR (2/5)

As the first small state in EUSAIR that’s neither an IPA country nor an EU Member State, San Marino has taken part in strategy governance structures, steering groups, and high-level forums 🧭🤝.

At two Annual Forums since joining, San Marino was represented by its Foreign Minister 🌍. At the 9th EUSAIR Forum in Šibenik (2024), FM Luca Beccari said:
“San Marino is culturally European and firmly believes that through integration, territorial cohesion and strengthened dialogue, it will be possible to face the next global challenges with awareness and responsibility for a peaceful Europe.“🕊️🇪🇺
These efforts have helped San Marino contribute directly to shaping regional priorities 📌—reflecting both its geographic importance and political will for deeper cooperation.

San Marino can now join IPA ADRION calls as an associated or project partner, though it cannot yet receive EU funding 💼🔗.

Read the whole story 🔗 https://www.adriatic-ionian.eu/10-years-of-the-eu-strategy-for-the-adriatic-and-ionian-region/10-years-of-the-eu-strategy-for-the-adriatic-and-ionian-region-san-marino-perspective/

Tomorrow (3/5):
Strategic Youth Empowerment through EUSAIR

23/07/2025

Small State, Big Strategy: How San Marino Carved Its Place In The Adriatic-ionian Future (1/5)

On the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of EUSAIR, we discover what motivates people and countries to continue implementing the Strategy.

San Marino 🇸🇲 joined the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) in 2022, after taking part in the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative since 2019 and launching an Association Agreement process with the EU in 2015 🇪🇺.

Though not an EU Member State, San Marino has had official relations with the EU since 1983 and maintains key agreements 🤝 like the Cooperation and Customs Union Agreement and the Monetary Agreement 💶.

San Marino values its role in EUSAIR 🌍, strengthening cooperation with 9 other countries and fostering strong bilateral and multilateral ties.

Since joining, it has boosted youth involvement 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️—with 2 youth representatives in EUSAIR’s first Youth Council—and engaged students in the EUSAIR POPRI Youth competition 🚀 highlighting entrepreneurship and innovation 💡.

Read the whole story 🔗 https://www.adriatic-ionian.eu/10-years-of-the-eu-strategy-for-the-adriatic-and-ionian-region/10-years-of-the-eu-strategy-for-the-adriatic-and-ionian-region-san-marino-perspective/

Tomorrow (2/5):
San Marino strengthens its regional role through active participation in EUSAIR

Photo © Ivanna Lebediuk

15/07/2025

🌿 Food meets future. Tradition meets innovation.

📣 This 29–30 September 2025, join us in Bari, Italy for a transformative workshop where gastronomy becomes strategy, and heritage becomes a roadmap for resilience.

🍅 The Mediterranean Diet is more than a way of eating, it’s a living system of knowledge, culture, and sustainability. Recognized by UNESCO and FAO, it offers concrete tools to tackle today’s most urgent challenges:

✔️ Climate and environmental pressures

✔️ Mass tourism and depopulation

✔️ Youth migration and rural decline

Through the lens of the Mediterranean Diet, we’ll explore how food can power a just, green, and inclusive transition in the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region.

🔗 Save the date and join us in Bari!

Register NOW: https://www.adriatic-ionian.eu/event/sustainable-and-innovative-food-systems-the-mediterranean-diet-as-a-tool-for-tourism-and-local-development-in-eusair-communities/

@najbolj priljubljeni oboževalci

02/07/2025

🎉 On the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the EUSAIR, we discover what motivates people and countries to continue implementing the Strategy. We reveal the story compiled from the testimonies of Slovenians working on EUSAIR.

🎨🌍 Cultural thematic routes as a driver of innovative, creative, and sustainable tourism

The starting point for Slovenian action in the field was the experience gained through participation in EUSAIR Pillar 4 – Sustainable Tourism activities, in the Joint Programme (Routes4U) between the Council of Europe and the European Commission’s DG REGIO, as well as post-COVID-19 experiences.

“First and foremost, the Ministry of Culture’s key objective was to increase the resilience of the cultural sector. The aim was to further integrate tourism and culture to provide more added value. We believe that measures to support culture and sustainable tourism will create many opportunities to develop innovative thematic routes of a high standard in the coming period. The Ministry of Culture has designed a proposal for smart, green, circular, and socially sustainable tourism as part of territorial cooperation, aligning with two main priorities of the EUSAIR Sustainable Tourism concept: diversified tourism offers (products and services) and sustainable and responsible tourism management. As examples of good practice, we present five thematic routes—three of which are already certified by the Council of Europe, one still in the process of certification, and one thematic route project as a solid basis for future upgrading into a certified cultural route. All of them successfully manage projects funded by Interreg Slovenia–Italy 2021–2027, thereby contributing to the cultural enrichment of the European Capital of Culture 2025 project in Nova Gorica and Gorizia,”
— Irena Marš, Senior Officer at Ministry of Culture, Republic of Slovenia, EUSAIR TSG 4 and EUSDR PA3 Member

Read the whole story 🔗 https://www.adriatic-ionian.eu/10-years-of-the-eu-strategy-for-the-adriatic-and-ionian-region/10-years-of-the-eu-strategy-for-the-adriatic-and-ionian-region-slovenian-perspective/

https://youtu.be/BOC43RfCol4?si=tplS411Ch3yHJbjh

01/07/2025

🎉 On the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the EUSAIR, we discover what motivates people and countries to continue implementing the Strategy. We reveal the story compiled from the testimonies of Slovenians working on EUSAIR.

🌊 The Mediterranean Coast and Macro-Regional Strategies Week
The Mediterranean Coast and Macro-Regional Strategies Week is traditionally held in Izola, Slovenia, during the week leading up to Mediterranean Coast Day on 25th September, a date widely celebrated across Mediterranean countries. 📅 This date was chosen to honour Slovenia as the first country in the Mediterranean to ratify the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management in 2009, on 25th September. 🏖️

The Week serves as a key forum for discussing the future of coastal areas in the Mediterranean and beyond. Its value lies in strengthening international dialogue, facilitating the exchange of best practices, and jointly seeking solutions to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for this vital region. 🌍🤝

This year, the Week celebrates its 10th anniversary, just like the EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region. It was established and has grown alongside the Strategy, sharing common goals and engaging most of the audience. 🌱

Beyond environmental issues, the event holds broader significance, bringing together more than 300 participants from 20 European countries, as well as representatives from all participating countries of four macro-regional strategies, the European Commission, and international organizations. 🌐 This demonstrates a strong international commitment to finding joint solutions for challenges affecting coastal areas.

“The Mediterranean Coast and Macro-Regional Strategies Week represents a significant achievement in terms of both environmental sustainability and regional cooperation. The event focused on raising awareness of the importance of the sea and the coast, particularly in the context of their economic potential, while also emphasizing the urgent need for their protection against degradation.

By addressing these issues, the Week contributed to shaping policies and strategies that will aid in the long-term protection and management of coastal ecosystems, while balancing development with the conservation of natural resources.

The emphasis on macro-regional cooperation was particularly important, as it encouraged collaboration among various stakeholders, including government representatives, local communities, scientists, and non-governmental organizations.

Such cooperation is essential for the successful implementation of sustainable policies and ensuring that coastal regions remain resilient to climate change and other environmental challenges,”
— Iztok Škerlič from Municipality of Izola, project partner EUSAIR Facility Point Project

Read the whole story 🔗 https://www.adriatic-ionian.eu/10-years-of-the-eu-strategy-for-the-adriatic-and-ionian-region/10-years-of-the-eu-strategy-for-the-adriatic-and-ionian-region-slovenian-perspective/

Photo: © Branko Furlanič

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We work together on our potentials so we can protect Adriatic-Ionian region for future generations.

EUSAIR’s mission: Connecting people and institutions to build a common understanding of cooperation for a harmonised, integrated and sustainable region.

EUSAIR’s vision: Joint multi-level solutions for common challenges towards a stronger Adriatic and Ionian region.