European Commission Adopts Revised Action Plan for the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR)

Launched in 2014 as the third of four macro-regional strategies endorsed by the European Council, EUSAIR brings together ten participating countries—four EU Member States (Croatia, Greece, Italy, Slovenia), five EU candidate countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia), and one non-EU country (San Marino)—to address shared challenges and harness collective opportunities.

Since its inception, EUSAIR has focused on four main pillars: Blue Sustainable Economy, Connecting the Region (Transport and Energy), Environmental Quality, and Sustainable Tourism. Over the past decade, these pillars have driven regional connectivity, promoted sustainable tourism, enhanced maritime governance, and supported environmental protection. Notable initiatives include innovation hubs in major ports, sustainable coastal tourism routes, and improved maritime safety measures. EUSAIR's contributions align with key EU policies such as the European Green Deal, the European Digital Strategy, and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.

Adapting to New Challenges

The revised Action Plan introduces a strategic fifth pillar—Improved Social Cohesion, aimed at addressing socio-economic disparities, boosting youth engagement, and enhancing social inclusion across the region. Additionally, the Strategy now integrates three horizontal priorities—Enlargement, Capacity Building, and Research, Innovation and Development—alongside three cross-cutting themes: Circular Economy, Green Rural Development, and Digitalization. These updates reflect the evolving geopolitical landscape and ensure that EUSAIR remains responsive to regional needs and EU integration aspirations for candidate countries.

An enhanced governance structure underpins the new Action Plan, prioritizing stronger political commitment, improved stakeholder involvement, and streamlined decision-making. This structure is designed to accelerate regional projects and better align with EU objectives, reinforcing the Strategy's capacity to drive sustainable development and cross-border cooperation.

A New Era for EUSAIR

The adoption of the revised Action Plan sets the stage for a more resilient and interconnected Adriatic-Ionian region. It represents not merely an update but a strategic evolution, aimed at addressing contemporary challenges with stronger unity and enhanced cooperation. As EUSAIR enters this new phase, the European Commission, together with participating countries, is committed to driving socio-economic progress, environmental sustainability, and deeper EU integration.

With this new framework, EUSAIR is poised to become a model of effective macro-regional cooperation, ensuring long-term prosperity and stability for the Adriatic-Ionian region.