Final Report EUSAIR Perspective on the Role of Macro-regional Cooperation in the Future Cohesion Policy

The final report from EUSAIR Facility Point and M&E Factory GmbH, outlines critical insights into the role of macro-regional cooperation in shaping the EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR) within the current and post-2027 Cohesion Policy frameworks.

Key Findings:

Strategic Importance: EUSAIR serves as a vital platform for aligning regional needs, fostering cooperation, and addressing shared challenges like climate change, socio-economic disparities, and geopolitical tensions across the Adriatic-Ionian region.

Governance and Implementation: Successful EUSAIR implementation requires a robust governance system, a focused Action Plan, effective monitoring, and enhanced communication to demonstrate its added value to stakeholders.

Current Challenges: The report identifies internal fragmentation, limited stakeholder awareness, and the need for better integration with mainstream EU programs as key hurdles.

Post-2027 Scenarios: The report highlights the need for EUSAIR to adapt to potential EU expansions, prioritize transnational issues, and secure funding amidst competing EU priorities.

Recommendations: The report emphasizes promoting a shared EUSAIR vision, embedding priorities in program lifecycles, enhancing coordination with other macro-regional strategies, and strengthening EU candidate countries’ alignment with EU policies and standards.

The consultation underscores EUSAIR’s role as a “laboratory for EU enlargement,” advocating for stronger coordination between DG REGIO, DG ENEST, and EUSAIR stakeholders to maximize regional impact.

Summary of Policy Recommendations.

For more details, access the Report here.