Concillor for Finance (FVG Region), Barbara Zilli, and Managing Authority, Laura Comelli, participated at the 9th EUSAIR Forum - Shaping the Future of EUSAIR, hosted on May 13th, 14th and 15th, 2024 in Šibenik (Croatia) by the Croatian Presidency of the Adriatic-Ionian Strategy.
The EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) is a macro-regional strategy targeting cooperation and investment for the benefit of 10 countries in the Adriatic-Ionian space: four EU member states (Croatia, Greece, Italy, Slovenia) and six non-EU countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia, and San Marino).
The Forum, which marks the conclusion of the Croatian Presidency, offered a unique opportunity to explore the achievements of EUSAIR, its Action Plan and governance set-up. At the EUSAIR Forum, stakeholders will have the opportunity to participate in a substantive multi-state, multi-stakeholder dialogue toward a shared vision signified by the strategy. Indeed, EUSAIR promotes the region's economic growth and prosperity by improving its attractiveness, competitiveness and connectivity.
While the EUSAIR review is in its final stage, the EU discussion on post-2027 cohesion policy is in full swing. Macro-regional strategies are taking an active role and are already discussing how best to approach the next programming period.
The Forum also put the spotlight on a rejuvenated, more relevant, more effective and future-ready EUSAIR. Youth involvement in EUSAIR is a key aspect, marked by crucial steps towards the establishment of the Youth Council. The Council represents for the youth of the Adriatic and Ionian region a platform for broader collaboration and active participation in shaping the socio-economic development of the EUSAIR area.
