The 26th meeting of the Governing Board of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) was held on 4–5 March in Ohrid, bringing together representatives of the ten participating countries of the Strategy, the European Commission (DG REGIO and DG MARE), thematic pillar coordinators, and experts from various fields.
During the meeting, North Macedonia presented progress in implementing the priorities of its Presidency, as well as the main themes and the programme framework of the 11th EUSAIR Annual Forum. Italy presented its priorities as the next Presidency. European Union enlargement remains high on the agenda of both the current and the upcoming Presidencies, as well as of the 11th EUSAIR Annual Forum, which will take place from 18 to 20 May 2026 in Skopje.
Participants also discussed the future role of macro-regional strategies after 2027, emphasizing the need to preserve adequate governance capacities, ensure early integration of macro-regional priorities into national planning documents, and strengthen their role in the implementation of EU policies.
Special attention was given to the presentation of the fifth report of the European Economic and Social Committee on macro-regional strategies, as well as to the initiatives of the EUSAIR Youth Council, which contribute to improving the position of young people in the region. It was also announced that a new call for membership in the Youth Council will be launched in 2026 for participating countries where some members’ mandates are expiring.
Representatives of the Interreg IPA ADRION Programme informed participants about the progress in programme implementation and preparations for the next programming period, while thematic pillar coordinators presented the latest achievements, ideas for further cooperation, and proposals for new implementation formats within the Strategy.
The Serbia actively participates in the implementation of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region and plays a significant role within the pillar “Connecting the Region”, which focuses on activities aimed at improving regional connectivity through the development of energy and transport infrastructure.
