On 13 May, the European Commission released its 5th report on the implementation of the EU’s four macro-regional strategies, offering a comprehensive overview of political and technical progress from mid-2022 to mid-2024. The report outlines developments in the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR), the Danube Region (EUSDR), the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR), and the Alpine Region (EUSALP).
Addressed to the European Parliament, the Council, the Committee of the Regions, and the European Economic and Social Committee, the report—accompanied by a detailed Staff Working Document—aims to assess how these strategies have contributed to regional cooperation and policy alignment.
A Decade of EUSAIR: Evolving from Maritime to Terrestrial Scope
The Staff Working document describes the evolution of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR), launched in 2014. Originally focused on the maritime area defined by the Adriatic and Ionian Sea basin, EUSAIR has progressively expanded to a larger terrestrial area. Throughout its lifecycle, EUSAIR has been supported by specific funding instruments—such as the Interreg cross-border Programmes and, to a larger extent, the Interreg ADRION/IPA ADRION Programme— through a variety of projects. According to the document, over the past decade, ADRION and IPA ADRION have financed numerous initiatives that align with EUSAIR priorities, contributing to sustainable development and EU enlargement efforts.
Addressing Demographic Challenges and Strengthening the Social Dimension
The document also raises concerns about demographic shifts in the region, such as the declining birth rates across all participating countries. It warns of growing socio-economic disparities as regions face a shrinking and ageing workforce. “This demographic shift poses significant economic and social challenges that cannot be left unaddressed,” the document notes, calling for a more robust focus on social policy. In response, the newly revised EUSAIR Action Plan introduces a fifth “social pillar.” This Pillar will focus on enhancing youth engagement and employment, and improving cooperation and coordination on working conditions, gender equality and social innovation.
Green Transition: Promoting Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism
Several projects funded by the Interreg ADRION Programme stand out in the context of environmental sustainability:
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PETHABECO (Protection and Enhancement of Natural Terrestrial Habitats and Ecosystems) is a flagship Pillar 3 project focused on improving the resilience of large carnivore populations across borders. The project includes conservation and restoration efforts as well as public awareness campaigns to highlight the ecological role of these species.
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PRONACUL, aligned with Pillar 4, promotes sustainable tourism by preserving and showcasing the region’s natural and cultural heritage. The project supports the development of transnational strategies to market the Adriatic-Ionian region as a unified tourist destination. Participating sites include UNESCO- and Natura 2000-protected areas.
Digital Transition: Innovation and Smart Specialisation
Moreover, three projects have been identified by the document on the topic of digital transition:
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EUREKA enhances maritime safety through the creation of a Maritime Safety Permanent Transnational Network, introducing harmonised vessel traffic services and sea traffic management systems across the region.
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BLUEAIR, a Pillar 1 initiative, is driving the development of a Macro-Regional Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) for Blue Growth. By fostering innovation communities and aligning local initiatives with EUSAIR objectives, the project is strengthening institutional capacity and economic development.
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Adrinetbook contributes to the digital preservation of cultural heritage. By digitising significant historical and cultural assets, the project creates a Cultural Heritage Network aimed at boosting sustainable development through digital access and promotion.
Fair Transition: Social Innovation and Capacity Building
Again, on the fair transition, two projects have been selected:
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SI4CARE focuses on social innovation in healthcare, particularly for ageing populations. The project has built a cross-border ecosystem supporting telemedicine pilots and regional action plans aimed at improving healthcare accessibility.
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TESI seeks to establish a Joint Master Programme on Social Innovation, strengthening academic and institutional capacities across the region. The initiative brings together universities and research centres to address skills gaps and promote social entrepreneurship.
Strengthening Governance with the three IPA ADRION Strategic Projects
Another brick in support of the Strategy has been identified in the three separate strategic projects funded through the Interreg IPA Adrion Programme: The Facility Point (Supporting governance for improved cooperation), the Stakeholders Engagement Point, and the Strategic Implementation Project.
Bottom-up approach
Between the lines, the report underscores the vital role played by regional actors and local beneficiaries. Their project ideas and on-the-ground efforts—supported through EU funding—have become the engine driving the strategic change in the Adriatic-Ionian region. This bottom-up approach ensures that EUSAIR remains relevant and rooted in the territories.
