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SKOPJE, May 19 (FENA) – Cooperation is no longer merely a political option but a strategic necessity, speakers said at the opening of the 11th Forum of the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR), hosted this year by North Macedonia and bringing together representatives of European institutions, governments, regional and local authorities, civil society, young people, and experts to strengthen cooperation and regional integration across the Adriatic-Ionian area.
This year's forum, titled ''Accelerating EUSAIR: From Commitment to Impact'' is focused on advancing the implementation of the revised EUSAIR Action Plan, strengthening cooperation in the context of European Union enlargement, involving young people in decision-making processes, addressing demographic challenges, and supporting cross-border cooperation and regional connectivity.
In opening remarks, speakers highlighted that during North Macedonia's presidency of EUSAIR, progress had been made in promoting a shared European vision through accelerated EU integration, deeper regional cooperation, reduced infrastructure disparities, stronger cultural exchange, and greater youth engagement across the Adriatic-Ionian region.
Special thanks were extended to the forum hosts - the Ministry for European Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia – after which participants were welcomed by North Macedonia's Minister for European Affairs, Bekim Sali, who officially opened the 11th EUSAIR Forum.
Speaking at the opening, Sali said this year's gathering, under the slogan ''Accelerating EUSAIR: From Commitment to Impact'', reflects the urgency of the current geopolitical moment and the shared responsibility to deliver more concrete results for citizens.
He said hosting the forum represents both an honour and a responsibility for North Macedonia, noting that the country is chairing the process for the first time since joining the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative and the EUSAIR Strategy.
''This year comes five years after North Macedonia joined the strategy and seven years after joining the initiative – a path built on partnership, trust, and strong European commitment,'' Sali said.
He also noted that the presidency is taking place in a year marking the 25th anniversary of the Ancona Declaration and more than a decade since the establishment of EUSAIR as a macro-regional strategy aimed at strengthening connectivity, competitiveness, and prosperity in the Adriatic-Ionian region.
Addressing current challenges, Sali said Europe is going through a complex geopolitical period marked by security concerns, economic uncertainty, energy crises, and growing global competition.
''The consequences of Russian aggression against Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, and broader instability are affecting both Europe and our region,'' he said.
''In such circumstances, cooperation is no longer merely a political option, but a strategic necessity,'' Sali stressed.
He added that EUSAIR demonstrates its value by bringing together EU member states and candidate countries around shared priorities and a common European future.
According to Sali, the strategy strengthens transport connectivity, environmental protection, energy cooperation, digital transformation, sustainable tourism, youth inclusion, and economic resilience across the Adriatic-Ionian region.
''Most importantly, EUSAIR builds trust and creates habits of cooperation through concrete projects on the ground. This is particularly important for the Western Balkans, where European integration is not an abstract political goal but a generational responsibility,'' Sali said.
He stressed that during its presidency, North Macedonia had made EU enlargement and gradual integration among its key priorities.
''Macro-regional strategies should not be viewed as parallel to enlargement processes, but as complementary instruments that support reforms, strengthen administrative capacities, and accelerate rapprochement with the European Union,'' he said.
Speaking about the region's future, Sali said challenges such as climate change, energy security, migration, transport connectivity, and digital transformation require a coordinated regional response.
''The Adriatic-Ionian region has the potential to become not only a space of cooperation but also a strategic framework for European stability, resilience, and growth. Our message from Skopje today is clear – a stronger Adriatic-Ionian region means a stronger Europe,'' Sali concluded.
North Macedonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timčo Mucunski, said the current moment is decisive for reaffirming a shared European vision and strengthening regional unity.
''Our common vision has already been translated into concrete progress through cooperation among Adriatic-Ionian countries,'' Mucunski said.
Since its launch in 2014, EUSAIR has served as a dynamic platform for fostering dialogue, aligning strategic priorities, and implementing impactful cross-border cooperation.
From sustainable blue growth and environmental protection to improved connectivity and cultural preservation, each country has played a vital role in a decade of collective progress.
Bosnia and Herzegovina held the one-year presidency of the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region between 2022 and 2023.
During that period, Bosnia and Herzegovina focused its presidency on accelerating European integration, strengthening youth inclusion, developing innovative products and services in tourism and culture, and protecting the environment through the implementation of the European Green Deal and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.
The EUSAIR Strategy includes ten countries: four European Union member states – Croatia, Greece, Italy and Slovenia – and six non-EU countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, San Marino and Serbia.
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