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On December 5, 2024, the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative Permanent Secretariat actively participated in the Midterm Project Meeting of ESN-AIR - Engaging Students for eNhancing Internationalization Practices in the Adriatic-Ionian Region, held in Shkodër, Albania. This initiative, funded by the European Union, aims to foster internationalization in higher education and strengthen regional cooperation through the involvement of universities and student associations.
The Greek Presidency of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative (2024-2025) recently hosted a webinar on "Enhancing Cooperation and Assistance in Case of Natural Disasters" on November 27, 2024. Organized by the Hellenic Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, this event brought together experts and representatives from across the Adriatic-Ionian region to address growing challenges posed by natural disasters, such as forest fires.
The 14th Congress on Women’s Entrepreneurship of the Adriatic and Ionian, organised by the Forum of the Adriatic Ionian Chambers of Commerce and the Venezia Giulia Chamber of Commerce, took place in Gorizia on November 7th and brought together a distinguished group of women entrepreneurs, policymakers, and experts to discuss the critical role of women in shaping the economic landscape.
On 20 November 2024, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the CEI Member States gathered in Tirana for their Annual Meeting. The discussions centered on strengthening the CEI’s role in regional cooperation, advancing European integration, supporting Ukraine and its people, and addressing pressing global and regional challenges.
On October 24, 2024, the 25th Anniversary of the Forum of the Adriatic Ionian Cities (FAIC) was celebrated at the Mole Vanvitelliana in Ancona, marking it a significant moment for reflection on the achievements and future prospects of transnational cooperation in the Adriatic-Ionian region.
The event brought together institutional representatives, experts, and civil society actors to discuss key issues such as sustainable development, cultural heritage preservation, and economic growth in the region.
The day began with welcoming remarks from Anna Maria Bertini, Secretary General of the FAIC, who emphasized the importance of this milestone anniversary, which celebrates a quarter-century of efforts to build bridges between the coastal communities of the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Institutional greetings were also delivered by Daniele Silvetti, Mayor of Ancona, who highlighted the origins of FAIC, founded in Ancona in 1999, and its pioneering role in fostering intermunicipal cooperation.
A key moment of the day was the lecture by Professor Egidio Ivetic, an expert in the history and culture of the Adriatic-Ionian regions. He provided an in-depth analysis of the common historical roots that link the area, offering insights into the cultural and social dynamics that have shaped the identities of Mediterranean regions. His intervention emphasized how historical roots guide contemporary challenges and how cultural heritage can serve as a key driver for development in the macroregion.
The event featured several panels, each addressing critical topics for the future of the region:
- Panel 1: EUSAIR Strategy: Impacts and Opportunities for the Macroregion
This panel focused on the strategic importance of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR) and its potential to shape the future of the area. Ambassador Pigliapoco, Head of the AII Permanent Secretariat, participated in this panel and highlighted the essential role of the three Civil Society Fora—namely the Forum of Adriatic Ionian Chambers of Commerce, the Forum of Adriatic Ionian Cities, and UniAdrion (the network of Adriatic-Ionian universities). Ambassador Pigliapoco emphasized that these Fora are key to ensuring a bottom-up approach in the implementation of EUSAIR, reflecting the needs of local communities, academic institutions, and businesses. He also noted that through Round Tables, organized in collaboration with the rotating presidency, the AII and EUSAIR create spaces for dialogue among institutions, economic actors, and civil society representatives. This collaboration strengthens relations between member countries and fosters new ideas and projects that address the real needs of the region. - Panel 2: Strengthening Cooperation Between Cities in the Macroregion
In this panel, mayors from various cities in the Adriatic-Ionian region shared their experiences and discussed ways to enhance cooperation among cities. Key topics included the role of local policies in promoting integration and strengthening ties in areas such as tourism, culture, and innovation. The discussion underscored the significance of intermunicipal cooperation in addressing common territorial challenges, fostering shared development, and respecting the unique characteristics of each city. The panel also stressed the need for collaborative management of natural and cultural resources, and the value of local governance that looks beyond administrative borders. - Panel 3: Blue Economy: Driving Sustainable Development
This panel focused on the blue economy, which plays a crucial role in the sustainable development of the Adriatic-Ionian Macroregion. The discussion highlighted the importance of innovative technologies in protecting marine environments and the need for public-private collaborations to promote a sustainable blue economy. Key themes included the development of integrated policies to safeguard marine resources, promote environmental and economic sustainability, and protect ecosystems, including those in protected areas. - Panel 4: Art and Culture as Catalysts for Regional Growth
The final panel addressed the role of art and culture in fostering social and economic growth in the Adriatic-Ionian region. Experts discussed how the valorization of cultural heritage can contribute to development, focusing on the potential of responsible tourism and the importance of interinstitutional collaboration to create joint projects. The panel also explored how archaeological research can serve as a tool for regional development, particularly in less well-known areas.
Here the programme of the event and the the biographies of the speakers.