The 11th Annual Forum of the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) opened today in Skopje, bringing together high-level representatives from ten countries of the macro-region. The Forum is dedicated to accelerating the implementation of activities and achieving concrete results through enhanced cooperation, addressing key regional challenges, supporting closer integration, and contributing to the European Union enlargement process.
Held from 18 to 20 May under the slogan “Accelerating EUSAIR: From Commitment to Results”, the Forum represents the most significant annual gathering dedicated to strengthening regional cooperation and guiding the implementation of the EUSAIR Strategy. Organised under the Presidency of North Macedonia, the Forum will also contribute to shaping the future of EUSAIR and strengthening cooperation in the Adriatic-Ionian region.
Bekim Sali, Minister of European Affairs of North Macedonia and host of the 11th EUSAIR Forum, stated that the Forum confirmed regional cooperation as a strategic instrument for strengthening the stability, connectivity, resilience, and European integration of the Western Balkans.
As the largest and most important annual event within the framework of the Strategy, the Forum will focus on concrete solutions in the areas of sustainable blue economy, transport and energy connectivity, environmental quality, sustainable tourism, and social cohesion.
At a particularly important moment for European Union enlargement and regional cooperation, the Forum brings together ten participating countries: Croatia, Greece, Italy and Slovenia, as well as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, together with San Marino, representing a unique partnership between EU Member States and countries in the enlargement process, highlighting the importance of closer integration and joint action.
As part of the Forum, the EUSAIR Ministerial Meeting will also be held on 19 May, representing an important political moment for defining future priorities and strengthening cooperation among participating countries.
Representatives of the Ministry of European Integration of the Republic of Serbia are also participating in the Forum and will discuss, during panel discussions and working meetings, the further enhancement of regional cooperation, European integration, and the implementation of joint initiatives within the framework of EUSAIR.
The European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) is a macro-regional framework bringing together ten countries with the aim of strengthening cooperation, promoting sustainable development, and supporting European integration through joint action in key policy areas. Through a multi-stakeholder approach, EUSAIR plays a central role in fostering economic, social, and territorial cohesion, as well as supporting the stability and European integration of the macro-region. These objectives are implemented through five thematic pillars covering sustainable blue economy, connecting the region (transport and energy), environmental quality, sustainable tourism, and social cohesion.
