EU Cohesion policy: Kick-off of the 6th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region

Today, Commissioner Ferreira will open the 6th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR). The two-day discussions will focus on a green and smart recovery for the Adriatic and Ionian macro-region. Prior to the official opening, Ministers of the 9 participating countries will adopt the ‘Izola Declaration’, laying the foundations for a more resilient and sustainable Adriatic-Ionian Region. Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said: “The adoption of the Izola Declaration will lead the way towards a green and digital recovery and will further facilitate the enlargement process of our close neighbours in the Western Balkans. EUSAIR plays an important role in increasing multi-level regional cooperation, resolving bilateral issues, bringing stability and fostering EU integration. This has been once more demonstrated by today’s agreement to include San Marino to become the tenth member, one year after North Macedonia has joined the Strategy.” The EUSAIR, launched in October 2014, covers a macro-region of more than 70 million people in four Member States (Croatia, Greece, Italy, Slovenia) and five countries of the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia) cooperating to overcome common challenges in four pillars: Blue Growth, Connecting the Region (Transport and Energy), Environmental Quality and Sustainable Tourism. See also the programme of the event. You can register here.