On occasion of the launch of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region in the Square Conference Centre in Brussels on 18 November, Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Creţu said: "The Strategy aims at revitalizing the Adriatic and Ionian Region. It will enhance its economic development through four priorities: first, seize the opportunities offered by the "Blue Growth", i.e. by the assets of this large maritime area. Second, connect the Region and facilitate exchanges by land and by
- 18 November 2014
On occasion of the launch of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region in the Square Conference Centre in Brussels on 18 November, Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Creţu said: "The Strategy aims at revitalizing the Adriatic and Ionian Region. It will enhance its economic development through four priorities: first, seize the opportunities offered by the "Blue Growth", i.e. by the assets of this large maritime area. Second, connect the Region and facilitate exchanges by land and by sea. Third, protect the biodiversity and safeguard the natural areas of great values. Fourth, promote sustainable tourism. In order to address these priorities, there is a need for appropriate governance; this is why the Commission, with its national partners, is setting up a framework for effective governance and management. But I want to stress that this Strategy is far from being only about socio-economic development, or governance. It is about reinforcing the process of European integration. It is about strengthening the ties between the Member States and also about bringing the participating candidate and potential candidate countries closer to the EU. The European Structural and Investment Funds in general, and Cohesion Policy in particular, are ready for supporting the Strategy."
Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella said on the same occasion: “This is a key moment for the prosperity of the Adriatic-Ionian region. A clean and innovative use of the Adriatic Sea will allow both the people and the environment to thrive. The potential for coastal cooperation in the region could become an example across the EU. A coordinated strategy will ensure 'blue growth' built on a commitment to good environmental standards. Our action plan would include measures such as reducing marine litter, promotion of the 'guardians of the sea' initiative, and allow the pooling of cutting-edge ocean research.”
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