From 6 to 8 May 2025, the 10th EUSAIR Forum – Bridging Horizons: Strengthening Cooperation, Resilience and Cohesion in the Adriatic–Ionian Region was held in Crete (Greece) under the Hellenic Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic–Ionian Region (EUSAIR).
The Forum marked a milestone, celebrating ten years of EUSAIR and setting the course for future macroregional cooperation, with a strong focus on sustainability, social inclusion, and youth empowerment.
The Interreg VI-A Italy–Slovenia Programme actively contributed to the Forum. Laura Comelli, Managing Authority of the Programme, took part in the session on Pillar 3 – Environmental Quality, dedicated to the protection and sustainable development of the marine and coastal environment.
In her speech, she presented three key projects from the 2021–2027 programming period addressing climate change and disaster risk prevention through cross-border cooperation:
- POSEIDONE, for the protection of marine biodiversity and the development of green and blue infrastructure in Natura 2000 areas;
- GRENNAT, enhancing sustainable management of the Soča and Vipava river basins and reinforcing cross-border ecosystems;
- TORRENT, focusing on flood risk prevention using advanced monitoring technologies and joint data platforms.
Comelli highlighted the strategic role of territorial cooperation and the importance of Interreg Programmes in promoting European cohesion and developing shared solutions to environmental challenges.
The Forum featured over 30 thematic sessions, including the launch of the 2nd IPA ADRION Call, the presentation of the 2025 EUSAIR Action Plan, and discussions on blue growth, sustainable tourism, cultural heritage, and energy transition. A special moment was the official launch of the EUSAIR Youth Council, aimed at increasing youth participation in regional policy-making.
With the handover of the EUSAIR Presidency from Greece to North Macedonia, the Forum concluded with a renewed commitment to a greener, more inclusive and connected Adriatic–Ionian macroregion.
