The 24th meeting of the Thematic Steering Group for Pillar 3 – Environmental Quality (TSG 3) of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) was held on 24 March 2026 in Skopje, North Macedonia, in a hybrid format. The meeting brought together Pillar Coordinators, TSG members, representatives from the European Commission, the EUSAIR Facility Point, and members of the EUSAIR Youth Council to assess progress, guide the implementation of the updated EUSAIR Action Plan, and advance key strategic actions under Pillar 3.
Held back-to-back with the meeting, a dedicated capacity-building workshop on EU enlargement further reinforced the role of TSG 3 in supporting candidate countries through macro-regional cooperation.
Reinforcing the implementation of Pillar 3 priorities
Chaired by Pillar 3 Co-Coordinator Mr Mitja Bricelj (Slovenia), the meeting focused on strengthening the delivery of the revised EUSAIR Action Plan. Particular emphasis was placed on marine and coastal ecosystems, transnational terrestrial habitats and biodiversity, as well as climate resilience. Participants reviewed developments since the previous meeting and identified the next operational steps needed to achieve concrete results at the macro-regional level.
A central topic of discussion was the continued development of implementation tools under Pillar 3, including strategic projects and flagship initiatives. TSG 3 assessed progress on the flagship initiative addressing climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, and explored a new flagship proposal put forward by EUSAIR Youth Council representatives. This initiative focuses on water scarcity, drought, and forest fires.
In addition, the group discussed and supported further progress on the BIOADRIA FORESTS strategic project concept, aimed at enhancing biodiversity protection and strengthening climate resilience of forest ecosystems across the Adriatic-Ionian region. The NEATNESS project proposal was also presented, with the goal of tackling plastic pollution in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas through prevention measures, improved collection systems, and circular economy solutions.
The meeting also included a dedicated presentation on the expansion of aquaculture and related coastal conflicts, highlighting possible environmental and social impacts of large-scale aquaculture development in the region. This contributed to broader discussions on promoting sustainable aquaculture while safeguarding marine ecosystems.
Strengthening monitoring and evidence-based policies
Members of TSG 3 approved the commissioning of a thematic issue paper focused on reviewing and developing environmental indicators to monitor the condition of the marine environment at EUSAIR level. This initiative will contribute to the future monitoring and evaluation framework of EUSAIR and enhance evidence-based policymaking under Pillar 3, while ensuring alignment with EU and Mediterranean policy frameworks.
The meeting also explored synergies between EUSAIR and Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3), underlining opportunities to better link innovation, environmental objectives, and funding instruments across the macro-region.
Engaging youth in Pillar 3 activities
Representatives of the EUSAIR Youth Council for Pillar 3 presented their recent work and contributions, emphasising the importance of youth participation in EUSAIR governance and implementation. Their presentation highlighted the active role of young representatives in Pillar 3 activities, including involvement in TSG 3 meetings, policy discussions, and thematic initiatives related to environmental protection, climate action, and sustainability.
Preparing for the 11th EUSAIR Forum
TSG 3 reviewed and agreed on its proposed contribution to the 11th EUSAIR Forum, scheduled to take place in Skopje in May 2026. The planned Pillar 3 session will present concrete examples of EUSAIR implementation, including the source-to-sea approach, biodiversity conservation, and systematic protection efforts, contributing to the overall Forum theme: “Accelerating EUSAIR: From Commitment to Impact.”
Capacity building on EU enlargement
On 25 March 2026, a capacity-building workshop on EUSAIR’s role in supporting EU enlargement was organised alongside the TSG 3 meeting. The workshop examined how macro-regional cooperation under Pillar 3 can assist candidate countries through policy alignment, capacity strengthening, and knowledge exchange, reinforcing EU enlargement as a cross-cutting priority of the revised EUSAIR Action Plan.
Conclusions
The 24th TSG 3 meeting and the accompanying enlargement workshop reaffirmed the strong commitment of TSG 3 to promoting environmental quality, resilience, and sustainability across the Adriatic-Ionian region. Through the advancement of strategic projects, improved monitoring systems, active youth involvement, and support for EU enlargement, TSG 3 continues to turn EUSAIR priorities into practical action. The outcomes of the meeting will contribute to upcoming milestones, including the 11th EUSAIR Forum, and support the delivery of measurable results under Pillar 3.
