Meeting with the European Commission: Strengthening Regional Cooperation, Ancona - 25 March
The Permanent Secretariat of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative (AII) recently hosted an important meeting with Gilles Kittel (DG REGIO, European Commission), MEP Carlo Ciccioli, representatives of the Marche Region, and the three Fora of Civil Society (Forum of Chambers of Commerce, Forum of Cities, and UniAdrion). This strategic discussion focused on the future of regional cooperation within the framework of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR).
The meeting, open to the Fora of Civil Society (Forum of the Adriatic Ionian Chambers of Commerce, Forum of the Adriatic Ionian Cities and UniAdrion, network of the Adriatic Ionian Universities), featured a presentation of the new "Revised Action Plan" of the EUSAIR Strategy, highlighting key updates from the previous version. Special attention was given to youth engagement, with UniAdrion playing an active role, and to the "DO-AIR Observatory" project, introduced by the Forum of Chambers of Commerce. Developed in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Marche, this strategic tool provides in-depth socio-economic data analysis for the Adriatic-Ionian region, supporting infrastructure planning and maritime traffic monitoring.
In addition, discussions were held regarding possible synergies between the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative and the EUSAIR Strategy, particularly in light of the upcoming presidency of North Macedonia. These potential collaborations will further enhance the effectiveness of regional cooperation and the successful implementation of shared goals.
This meeting served as a crucial platform for dialogue and collaboration, reaffirming the shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and ensuring the effective implementation of the EUSAIR Strategy.