The Republic of North Macedonia has officially taken over the Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) as well as the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative (AII). This milestone coincides with the fifth anniversary of North Macedonia joining the Strategy in 2020 and the seventh year of its membership in the Initiative.

This leadership role comes 25 years after the signing of the Ancona Declaration, which established the AII as a platform for dialogue and cooperation in the Adriatic and Ionian area. It also marks 11 years since the EU Council Conclusions launched EUSAIR, aimed at fostering economic and social development by enhancing regional appeal, competitiveness, and connectivity, and supporting the integration of Western Balkan countries into the EU.

As it assumes the Presidency, North Macedonia intends to build upon the accomplishments and effective practices of its predecessors. Simultaneously, it seeks to set a precedent for future presidencies by energizing collaboration across the Adriatic and Ionian Region, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of life for its people. Reinforced cooperation and meaningful dialogue are seen as essential in addressing the social, political, and economic challenges that have impacted the region in recent years.

The start of North Macedonia’s Presidency aligns with the appointment of the new European Commission and the updated EUSAIR Action Plan. The country will seize this opportunity to foster optimal conditions for implementing the revised plan, using it as a strategic instrument to transform the region into a space characterized by stability, safety, and shared prosperity. A key goal is to support the further alignment of EU candidate countries within the region toward full EU membership.
To achieve these objectives, the Presidency will focus on several key areas:

• Enlargement and phased integration of aspiring EU members
• Advancing the execution of the revised Action Plan and emphasizing macro-regional collaboration
• Promoting cross-border cooperation and deeper regional connectivity
• Involving youth, addressing skill development, and responding to demographic shifts to combat depopulation and build resilience
• Fostering sustainable tourism and innovation-led growth

The specific goals and initiatives under the AII Chairmanship are detailed in the official Presidency programme.

You can view the full Presidency programme document here: MK priorities EUSAIR and AII

For more information and a provisional schedule of events during North Macedonia’s Presidency of EUSAIR, please visit: Calendar MK Presidency_25.7.2025

https://www.eumonitor.eu/9353000/1/j9vvik7m1c3gyxp/vmn6ec3ckzul