AdriaticIonian

AdriaticIonian refers to the Adriatic and Ionian macro-region, a cross-border cooperation area defined by the European Union’s Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Regions (EUSAIR). The strategy seeks to align policies, investments, and governance across multiple countries to promote sustainable growth, resilience, and regional integration.

Geographic scope and governance: the AdriaticIonian macro-region includes eight countries along the Adriatic and Ionian seas: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. It operates under the umbrella of the EUSAIR, with coordination supported by the European Commission and national and regional authorities, as well as local stakeholders and international partners.

Objectives and priority areas: the core aim is to foster economic development, competitiveness, and sustainability through coordinated actions and funding. Priority areas typically encompass blue growth and maritime economy; connecting the region through transport and energy networks; environmental quality and protection of cultural and natural heritage; sustainable tourism; culture and creative industries; agriculture and fisheries; and people-to-people contacts. Projects are implemented via integrated programs using EU cohesion funds, research and innovation instruments, and national contributions, sometimes supplemented by external and regional financing.

Significance and scope: AdriaticIonian represents a model of macro-regional cooperation in the Mediterranean, designed to address shared challenges such as climate change, biodiversity, mobility, energy, and cross-border commerce. By coordinating policies across national borders, the region aims to accelerate development and improve quality of life for its communities while promoting sustainable use of its maritime and cultural resources.