The 26th Governing Board meeting of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR), under the leadership of North Macedonia, took place on 4–5 March 2026 in Ohrid. The event brought together representatives from participating countries and European Union institutions to discuss the future direction of the Strategy.

A major point of the meeting was the announcement that Italy will assume the EUSAIR Presidency for the 2026–2027 term. Italy also confirmed that, for the first time, the Department for Cohesion Policies (DPCoe) of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers will take on the role of coordinating the Presidency.

Mr. Michele Palma, Head of the Department, informed the Governing Board that work is underway to finalize and soon present the official programme of the Italian Presidency, which will subsequently be shared with all participating countries. Italy emphasized its aim to lead a Presidency that is cooperative, dialogue-oriented, and grounded in a participatory approach, with the goal of enhancing collaboration and joint decision-making in line with the Strategy’s objectives.

Italy’s key priorities include strengthening initiatives in the transport and energy sectors, particularly by advancing the ongoing revision of the EUSAIR Master Plan on Transport and the Master Plan on Energy. In addition, the Presidency will promote cultural initiatives, sustainable tourism, and local development.

Currently chaired by North Macedonia, the EUSAIR Presidency will be formally transferred to Italy during the 11th EUSAIR Annual Forum, scheduled for 19–20 May 2026 in Skopje. Italy’s Presidency will officially run from 1 June 2026 until 31 May 2027.