EU Commissioner Damanaki welcome approval of new strategy for Adriatic and Ionian Region

Affecting some 70 million residents, the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) paves the way for closer cooperation among the member countries in four key areas: blue growth, connecting the region, environmental quality, and sustainable tourism.

The strategy, which was proposed by the European Commission last June, covers four EU member-states (Croatia, Greece, Italy and Slovenia) with the aim of promoting prosperity and growth in the region, improving its attractiveness, competitiveness and connectivity.
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia, though not EU members, are equal partners in the governance and implementation of the strategy.

"Today’s endorsement of the EU's Adriatic and Ionian Strategy is an important milestone. The aim is to tackle common problems together and make the most of the opportunities we share with our partners in the Western Balkans," said Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for Regional Policy.

"It is now the responsibility of the Adriatic and Ionian countries, regions and stakeholders on the ground to work together to translate the strategy into results. Work should start as soon as possible," he added.

Maria Damanaki, Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, said: "With this strategy, the Adriatic Ionian nations have in their hands the opportunity to move on from the crisis and to put the whole region back on track to future sustainable prosperity. Our Blue Growth strategy has already shown that seas and oceans have the potential to generate huge economic growth and much needed jobs."

The launch conference organised by the Italian Presidency of the Council in cooperation with the European Commission, will take place in Brussels on 18 November.