Adriatic Ionian Council / EUSAIR Ministerial Meeting - Šibenik, 15 May 2024
The 9th Forum of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR) was held in Šibenik on May 15-16.
This exceptionally important event brought together representatives from across the region to advance cooperation and development in this macro-regional area. The Forum provided an opportunity for the exchange of ideas and solutions that will aid in building sustainable development, enhancing economic competitiveness, and fostering social cohesion among participating countries.
Within the more general framework of the Forum, the Adriatic Ionian Council / EUSAIR Ministerial meeting took place which adopted the Šibenik Declaration reflecting common achievements and goals for the future. The Declaration emphasizes the commitment of the 10 AII/EUSAIR participating countries to the implementation of the Initiative and the Strategy, setting out guidelines for further steps in strengthening cooperation among countries.
AII Secretary General, Ambassador Castellaneta, recalled during the meeting the importance of the EU enlargement process as a driver for growth, stability and security and the importance of the engagement of civil society and youth in the macroregional process (statement).
Ambassador Castellaneta also participated in the opening session of the 9th EUSAIR Forum (speech), together with Minister Gordan Grlić Radman, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia, Šime Erlić, Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds of Croatia, Joze Tomaš, Vice President of the Forum of the Adriatic Ionian Chambers of Commerce, representing Civil Society and other local and regional representatives.
After the Ministerial meeting, the AII Chairmanship was handed over from Croatia to Greece.
The Forum provided an opportunity for deep and constructive exchange of views on important issues and challenges we face. Three Round Tables co-organized by the Adriatic Ionian Initiative Permanent Secretariat took place during the Forum:
- the AII Round Table on “Preservation and Promotion of the Mediterranean Diet in the Adriatic and Ionian Region (Well-being, Sustainability and Culture)” organized by the Forum of the Adriatic Ionian Chambers of Commerce and the Forum of the Adriatic Ionian Cities in cooperation with the AII Permanent Secretariat.
- the AII Round Table on “Addressing Transportation Challenges in the Adriatic-Ionian Region” organized by the Forum of the Adriatic Ionian Chambers of Commerce and the Forum of the Adriatic Ionian Cities in cooperation with the AII Permanent Secretariat.
- the Conference on “Civic Engagement of Students: Collaborating with Universities for Global Impact - The Best Practice of ESN-AIR” organized by UniAdrion in cooperation with the AII Permanent Secretariat.