The horizontal topics of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) ensure that all pillars and actions work together to support sustainable, inclusive, and future-oriented development across the Adriatic-Ionian region.
Enlargement
All pillars support the enlargement process of the candidate countries in the Adriatic-Ionian region and complement their Reform Agendas by accelerating their alignment with Union values, laws, rules, standards, policies and practices (‘acquis’) through investments and reforms as part of their work to become EU members.
Capacity building
By strengthening administrative capacity, encouraging stakeholder participation, and promoting policy coherence, EUSAIR helps ensure that regional, national, and local actors can successfully deliver sustainable development.
Research, innovation and development
Future-oriented development in the Adriatic-Ionian region relies on strengthening research and innovation by aligning candidate countries with the European Research Area, supporting innovative SMEs and start-ups, linking actions to smart specialisation strategies, and leveraging programmes such as Horizon Europe to advance green, digital, and sustainable growth.
ESP Platform & TOOLS
Use the ESP platform to support the implementation and coordination of Pillar activities.