Macro-regional strategies as a bridge to the European Union: Sarajevo EUSDR and EUSAIR meeting highlights support for candidate countries

At the margins of the 14th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region EUSDR, a joint meeting of national coordinators from the EUSDR and the EUSAIR was held in Sarajevo on 6 November 2025. The event, titled “Enhancing EU Accession Support for Candidate Countries in EUSDR and EUSAIR”, brought together representatives of EU Member States, candidate countries, the European Commission, and Interreg transnational programmes.

Hosted by Bosnia and Herzegovina as the EUSDR Presidency and North Macedonia as the EUSAIR Presidency, the meeting underlined the close link between EU enlargement and macro-regional cooperation. In their opening remarks, Midhat Džemić and Zuica Zmejkovska emphasized that these processes complement each other, promoting stability, peace, and sustainable development across Europe. They stressed that candidate countries’ participation in macro-regional structures allows them to act as equal partners with EU member states, strengthening administrative and institutional capacities and gaining valuable experience for eventual EU membership.

Discussions focused on how macro-regional frameworks can further support EU accession through gradual integration of candidate countries. Participants examined ways to align reforms with EU standards, enhance regional dialogue, and advance shared priorities in green and digital transition, innovation, and connectivity. Particular attention was given to involving youth, civil society, and local authorities in regional cooperation and governance.

Driving Sustainable Growth through Cooperation, Connectivity, and Inclusion

A shared determination to continue joint efforts was reaffirmed. EU Member States pledged to share expertise and provide technical assistance to help candidate countries implement reforms. Both strategies will encourage thematic and priority area coordinators to include actions that promote gradual EU integration in their programmes. Coordination between the Danube Strategy Point and the EUSAIR Governance Point will be strengthened to ensure coherence and visibility, while new funding sources will be explored to support accession-related initiatives and capacity building.

By the Sarajevo conclusions EUSRD and EUSAIR commited to an active involvement of the EUSDR and EUSAIR youth networks in activities and support initiatives that empower young people with skills and opportunities, fostering employment, regional development, and countering brain drain. At the thematic level, both strategies already support the enlargement process through projects and flagships in which candidate countries participate as equal partners. In the future, additional opportunities to further enhance support for enlargement will be explored.

The Sarajevo meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to regional partnership and European unity. Through joint macro-regional action, EU Member States and candidate countries aim to accelerate reforms, deepen cooperation, and build a more cohesive, resilient, and united Europe.