15. May, 2021

Main outcomes of the 6th EUSAIR Forum sessions on Connecting the Region:

Transport sub-group: Green and Smart transport solutions connecting the Adriatic and Ionian Region

Integrated railway and maritime solutions can and should contribute to the efforts towards low-carbon mobility. However, the investments should be accompanied by legislative and regulatory reforms to promote interoperability and common standards in services and safety.

Railway transport could play a significant role in the transition towards low-carbon mobility and for the economic recovery and resilience of the Adriatic-Ionian Region.

To take full advantage of such benefits, investment in infrastructure should be accompanied by legislative and regulatory reforms to promote interoperability and common standards in safety and level of service.

Integrated railway and maritime solutions can contribute to efforts to reduce the overall external costs of transport. Accelerating the uptake of renewables and alternative fuels for vessels and ports is vital to achieving environmental sustainability.

Energy Networks sub-group: Enhanced Cooperation for Green Energy Recovery and Resilience in the EUSAIR: Focus on Smart Grids and Hydrogen

The share of technology innovation in smart power grids and hydrogen in the region would accelerate the recovery and transition towards a green economy and the Green Deal gives great potential in this respect.

Given the difficult context and the challenges ahead, a clear consensus emerged on the need to enhance energy co-operation within EUSAIR and beyond its borders to accelerate energy recovery and transition towards a green economy. Smart grids and hydrogen are two key assets and directions for moving towards a carbon-zero energy system. A green energy deal for the Adriatic and Ionian Region would provide EUSAIR Member States with opportunities for collaboration on smart power grids and hydrogen, to share technology innovation, business potential and converge on a common mission.