Cross-cutting Topics

The cross-cutting priorities guide policy coordination, strengthen regional cooperation, and align activities with key European policies and initiatives.

Circular economy

Stronger cooperation between national and regional stakeholders is required to exchange good practices, build capacity, create sustainable value chains, and support the uptake of EU circular economy initiatives, particularly in Western Balkan countries. Pillar 1 focuses on green & blue technology reducing human impact on environment and waters, Pillar 2 on renewable energy, and Pillar 4 on sustainable and green tourism.

Green rural development

In the Adriatic-Ionian region the focus is on strengthening rural economies, preserving natural and cultural heritage, and improving living conditions through sustainable practices, digitalisation, and enhanced connectivity. In line with the Long-term Vision for the EU’s Rural Areas, this topic is addressed by Pillar 1 (sustainable fisheries and local communities), Pillar 2 (sustainable energy and mobility in rural areas), Pillar 3 (environmental management and sustainable agriculture), Pillar 4 (sustainable rural tourism), and Pillar 5 (tackling brain drain).

Digitalisation

We are focusing on establishing and strengthening a network of digital innovation hubs to expand access to technologies such as AI and the internet of things and support digital transformation across sectors. Pillar 1 focuses on digitalisation-related green & blue technology, Pillar 2 on digitalisation in transport and energy, Pillar on digital sustainability solutions, Pillar 4 on digitalisation in tourism and Pillar 5 focuses on digitalisation in the employment.