10th EUSAIR Annual Forum

At the Forum, the Crete Declaration was adopted. The EUSAIR Crete Declaration reaffirms the Strategy’s vital role as a key instrument for addressing socio-economic challenges and supporting EU enlargement in the Adriatic-Ionian region, recognizing it as a geo-strategic investment in peace, stability, and prosperity.

It commends the Hellenic Presidency for finalizing the Revised Action Plan, which introduces innovative components such as improved social cohesion, youth involvement, and enhanced cross-cutting topics, all aligned with EU priorities. The Declaration highlights the need for stronger political commitment, capacity building, and civil society engagement to implement the Strategy effectively.

It underscores EU enlargement as a horizontal topic within EUSAIR and acknowledges the progress of candidate and association countries in aligning with EU values and reforms, encouraging them to accelerate their EU integration journey. Cooperation within the EUSAIR framework is seen as a crucial pathway to supporting alignment with the EU acquis, advancing political dialogue, regional cooperation, and good neighborly relations.

The Declaration celebrates the establishment of the EUSAIR Youth Council, promoting youth engagement to counter brain drain and foster entrepreneurial opportunities. It also emphasizes the role of EUSAIR governance projects (FACILITY POINT, StEP, and SP4EUSAIR) in enhancing coordination with EU funding and facilitating regional cooperation. Finally, it calls for stronger EU cohesion policies post-2027 and commits to supporting upcoming Presidencies to drive tangible results, unlock the region's potential, and bring it closer to the European Union.