With the theme “Bridging Horizons: Strengthening Cooperation, Resilience and Cohesion in the Adriatic-Ionian Region,” the 10th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) kicked off the 6th of May on the scenic island of Crete. This significant event represents a key moment in fostering collaboration and growth throughout the region. Hosted by the Hellenic Republic, the Forum gathered over 400 participants from a wide spectrum of backgrounds — including government officials, policymakers, regional actors, entrepreneurs, academics, youth representatives, civil society members, and international stakeholders — all united in their commitment to the region’s development.
This year’s gathering also marked a decade since the Strategy’s inception. To commemorate this milestone, a revised version of the EUSAIR Action Plan was presented and submitted to the European Commission for formal approval. This updated plan will serve as the strategic framework guiding EUSAIR’s next phase of implementation.
A notable highlight of the Forum was the inaugural appearance of the EUSAIR Youth Council during a dedicated session titled "Empowering Youth for a Brighter Adriatic–Ionian Future." This reflects a growing emphasis on youth involvement in shaping the region’s future. Another significant development was the introduction of the Strategy’s fifth pillar — Enhanced Social Cohesion — which complements the existing four pillars: Blue Growth, Connectivity (Energy and Transport), Environmental Quality, and Sustainable Tourism. These pillars remain central to EUSAIR’s vision of a more sustainable, resilient, and integrated Adriatic-Ionian Region, addressing key challenges such as ecological innovation, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and culture-driven tourism.
During the event, North Macedonia was handed the rotating Presidency of EUSAIR, set to begin its term in June 2025 and continue through May 2026. The Forum also saw the endorsement of the Crete Declaration, a strategic document that reinforces EUSAIR’s crucial role in tackling socio-economic issues and supporting the EU enlargement process in the region. The Declaration acknowledges EUSAIR as a geo-political investment that fosters peace, stability, and prosperity.
It praised the Greek Presidency for its efforts in completing the updated Action Plan, which introduces forward-looking elements such as deeper youth engagement, better social inclusion, and cross-sectoral initiatives in line with EU objectives. The Declaration also stressed the importance of stronger political will, institutional capacity, and greater involvement of civil society to ensure successful execution of the Strategy.
Furthermore, the Declaration reaffirmed EU enlargement as a cross-cutting theme within EUSAIR and highlighted the advancements made by candidate and potential candidate countries in aligning with EU standards and reforms. It encouraged these nations to intensify their efforts toward EU membership, emphasizing that collaboration under the EUSAIR framework facilitates convergence with the EU acquis, strengthens political dialogue, encourages regional partnerships, and supports good neighborly relations.
The creation of the EUSAIR Youth Council was celebrated as a significant move to engage younger generations, counteract brain drain, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship. The Declaration also acknowledged the valuable contributions of EUSAIR governance projects like FACILITY POINT, StEP, and SP4EUSAIR, which play a key role in coordinating EU resources and promoting regional synergy.
Lastly, the Declaration called for a stronger EU Cohesion Policy beyond 2027 and expressed a firm commitment to supporting upcoming Presidencies in delivering measurable progress, unlocking regional potential, and moving the Adriatic-Ionian Region closer to full integration within the European Union.
