The 9th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region concluded with significant developments, including the adoption of the Šibenik Declaration. The event, organized under the Croatian Presidency of the Strategy, saw active participation from 650 attendees demonstrating the collaborative spirit and forward-thinking agenda of the participating countries underscoring the necessary role of EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region in Western Balkans Enlargement process, youth engagement, regional cooperation and dialogue and offsetting the observed, worrying demographic shift in the region.
- 03 June 2024
A Diverse and Inclusive Gathering
The forum was attended by the Croatian Ministers Gordan Grlić Radman, for Foreign and European Affairs, Šime Erlić, for Regional Development and EU Funds, and Nikolina Brnjac, for Tourism and Sport. Commissioner Elisa Ferreira participated via video message, and DG REGIO was represented by Director Sławomir Tokarski.
The forum saw active participation from representatives of the four EU Member States involved in EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (Croatia, Greece, Italy, Slovenia) the five participating EU candidate countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia) and San Marino. The significant presence of civil society, students, business, regional and city representatives, Interreg programmes, and European Commission officials highlighted the forum's inclusive and comprehensive nature.
Focus on Youth Engagement
Youth was a central theme, reflecting Croatia's commitment to placing young people high on the priority list. The forum featured the 6th Adriatic-Ionian Youth Organisations Forum and the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region Youth Council event, where young people discussed their role in shaping the region's future. The establishment of the Youth Council was a significant step towards increasing youth participation in policy-making.
Adoption of the Šibenik Declaration
The forum's culmination was marked by the adoption of the Šibenik Declaration, which reflects the collaborative efforts and future aspirations of the Adriatic-Ionian region. With this declaration, Croatia's presidency of EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region concluded successfully, and Greece will take over the presidency from June 1, 2024, with a commitment to finalizing the revision process and implementing a new EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region Action Plan.
Mediterranean Diet Promotion
Another joint declaration focused on preserving and promoting the Mediterranean Diet in the Adriatic and Ionian Region. The round table on the Mediterranean Diet highlighted its importance as an intangible cultural heritage and its role in promoting health, sustainability, and cultural identity in the region.
Interreg Event
"Developing a Vision for the Future" event organized by the Croatian Presidency, the Committee of the Regions, and Interact, focused on shaping the future of regional cooperation and development.
Informational Meeting on EUSAIR Strategy Revision
The recent crises have increased concerns over a wide range of issues and this has logically led to a need to revise the Strategy’s Action Plan in order to review all existing priorities, to complement them where necessary, and to be more oriented towards securing results and impacts at the local level. An important informational meeting organized by DG REGIO introduced the Adriatic and Ionian Region Strategy revision process. All National Coordinators and representatives participated, emphasizing the collaborative approach needed for the strategy's revision and future implementation. These discussions led to a sharpened focus on developing concepts and building a common language, enhancing multilevel governance, and aligning EU policies and funding with the strategy. The meeting also highlighted the pivotal role of the new green dimension of the Strategy for its resilience. As it was highlighted in the Interreg event, the Strategy will also better recognise the essential role of local and regional authorities within the multilevel governance logic.
B2B Meetings Success
The forum hosted successful B2B meetings, with 53 companies registered, demonstrating the region's robust economic engagement and potential for future business collaborations.
Future Vision
The successful organization and high level of participation reflects the importance of EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region as a framework for regional cooperation. The 9th EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region Annual Forum was a testament to the region's collaborative spirit and commitment to sustainable development, youth engagement, and strategic growth, setting a robust foundation for future endeavors.
The upcoming Greek Presidency announced its priorities, emphasizing the Blue, Green, and Digital dimensions, Western Balkans enlargement, skills partnership promotion, and renewable energy initiatives for island autonomy as well as and implementing new initiatives in the Adriatic-Ionian region.
More information
For more information, visit 9th Annual EUSAIR Forum - Adriatic-IONIAN
The EUSAIR is one of the EU’s four macro-regional strategies, promoting economic and social prosperity and growth in the region by improving its attractiveness, competitiveness, and connectivity. The Strategy covers Croatia, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia and San Marino.