Strengthening cooperation, resilience and cohesion in the Adriatic-Ionian Region
High-level participants pose for a family photo at the 10th EUSAIR Forum | Author Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development
At the high-level panel of ministers responsible for EU funds, Minister Jevšek stressed that the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian region (EUSAIR) was an excellent platform for collaboration within and between EU member states and candidate countries and an excellent tool for supporting the enlargement processes in the European Union.
In his intervention, Minister Jevšek called for a strong cohesion policy in the post-2027 period. “Keeping a strong cohesion policy means more competitiveness, resilience and security. It also means more Europe. That is why Slovenia proposes that sufficient funding is ensured for post-2027 cohesion policy,” he said.
Minister Jevšek invited young people to use EUSAIR as a springboard to acquire new knowledge and broaden their horizons by looking beyond the borders of their countries and then tapping into newly acquired knowledge upon return home. He mentioned that EUSAIR POPRI initiative, a competition which encourages young people to realize their business ideas and drive change, was an excellent example of collaboration of young entrepreneurs from the 10 EUSAIR participating countries.
The Minister invited Forum participants to the 10th edition of the Mediterranean Coast and Macro-Regional Strategies Week in September in Slovenia.
On the sidelines of the Forum, Minister Jevšek met with Orhan Mutrezani, the minister for European affairs from Northern Macedonia that took over the EUSAIR Presidency from Greece. Minister Jevšek wished Mr Mutrezani every success in North Macedonia's Presidency and assured him of Slovenia’s full support and cooperation, including the transfer of good practices in the management of EU funds.
Annual EUSAIR Forum is the largest and most important event in the region bringing together the broadest range of stakeholders involved in the implementation of the Strategy. It provides an opportunity to share good practices and information while capitalizing on the results achieved in five strategic areas, i.e. sustainable blue economy, regional connectivity, environmental quality, sustainable tourism, and improved social cohesion. This year’s Forum brings together over 400 participants, including ministers responsible for foreign affairs, EU funds, and regional development, European Commission representatives, national stakeholders, including representatives of national institutions, public and private sector, experts in individual areas, and project partners from the 10 EUSAIR participating countries that implement EUSAIR projects and contribute to the delivery of EUSAIR goals. EUSAIR covers 10 countries, i.e. four EU member states (Croatia, Greece, Italy, and Slovenia), five candidate countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia), and San Marino.