Rome, 28 July 2026 – The Italian Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) was officially launched at a high-level Kick-Off Meeting held at Unioncamere headquarters in Rome.
The event marked the formal start of Italy’s Presidency of the Strategy, running from 1 June 2026 to 30 May 2027, and opened a new phase of macro-regional cooperation guided by the Presidency’s motto centred on identity, cohesion and European integration.
The launch event highlighted the growing strategic importance of EUSAIR at a time when regional cooperation, European integration and the enlargement process are acquiring renewed relevance. The Italian Presidency will focus on revitalising cooperation across the Adriatic-Ionian Region, strengthening infrastructure and energy connectivity, supporting the blue economy and advancing the European integration of the Western Balkans.
Opening the event, Tommaso Foti, Minister for European Affairs, the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and Cohesion Policies, identified the accession of the Western Balkan countries as one of the European Union’s strategic priorities. He stressed that countries which have invested significantly in the European integration process should see their commitment recognised.
Minister Foti also addressed the right to remain, climate change, the protection of the rule of law and demographic challenges. He also identified the digital transition, the energy transition and the strengthening of transport infrastructure as strategic drivers for the future development of the Adriatic-Ionian area.
Antonio Tajani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, reaffirmed that the integration of the Western Balkans into the European family remains a priority. He also recalled the important role played by EUSAIR in this process, alongside Italy’s engagement in cooperation frameworks such as the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative and the Central European Initiative.
Minister Tajani confirmed Italy’s support for strategic connectivity projects, including IMEC, Corridor VIII, Corridor X and the Trieste–Ljubljana–Zagreb–Belgrade railway line. He also highlighted the importance of stronger cooperation among the Upper Adriatic ports of Trieste, Koper and Rijeka, with a view to diversifying trade routes and strengthening the integration of energy markets.
The European dimension of the event was further reinforced by the participation of Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms.
In his remarks, Executive Vice-President Fitto described macro-regional cooperation as a concrete instrument for connecting territories that share common challenges and opportunities. He emphasised that cooperation can turn borders into bridges, supporting joint projects, investment, growth and development. He also underlined that the European Union becomes stronger when territories work together, exchange experiences and build shared solutions.
The proceedings were moderated by Annamaria Esposito, Deputy Editor-in-Chief for Foreign Affairs at Rai News 24, and also featured Giuseppe Tripoli, Secretary General of Unioncamere.
Contributions were delivered by representatives of Region Friuli Venezia Giulia and Marche Region, the two Italian regions supporting the Strategy.
The event also acknowledged the contribution of the previous EUSAIR Presidency, held by North Macedonia. In this context, Zuica Zmejkovska, representing the North Macedonian Presidency, was recognised for her contribution to ensuring continuity within the Strategy and strengthening cooperation among the participating countries.
Launched by the European Union in 2014, EUSAIR is one of the EU’s four Macro-Regional Strategies, together with those for the Alpine, Danube and Baltic Sea regions. The Strategy provides a framework for coordinated cooperation and for the effective mobilisation of European and national resources in support of sustainable development across the Adriatic-Ionian Region.
Over the coming year, the Italian Presidency will coordinate a broad programme of political meetings, thematic events and governance activities aimed at reinforcing cooperation, connectivity, cohesion and European integration throughout the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region.
The Presidency will culminate in the 12th EUSAIR Annual Forum in Trieste, providing an important opportunity to assess progress, exchange experiences and help shape the future direction of macro-regional cooperation.
Through its Presidency, Italy aims to further strengthen EUSAIR as a strategic platform for dialogue, partnership and sustainable development, contributing to a more connected, resilient and prosperous Adriatic-Ionian Region.
The official press release by Minister Tommaso Foti is available on the website of the Department for Cohesion Policies of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.
The official press release by Minister Antonio Tajani is available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The recording of the Launching event is available on the YouTube channel of the Department for Cohesion Policies:
