Brussels, 11/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - A new macro-regional strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian basin is expected to be unveiled by the European Commission next week.
This strategy is in addition to those set out for the macro-regions of the Danube and the Baltic and brings together Croatia, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia. There are as many non-EU countries involved in this strategy as there are EU members.
A communication is very likely to be adopted by the European Commission on this subject on 18 June, so that coastal regions can work together to meet common challenges in the maritime, transport, sustainable tourism and environmental sectors.
The document is then expected to be presented swiftly to European ministers responsible at the General Affairs Council on 24 June. The strategy could then be ready to adopt by the end of the year. The Italian Presidency, which has a particular interest in this macro-regional strategy, will work towards this end in the autumn.
Another strategy is also currently being prepared and is also expected to be of interest to Italy because it involves the Alps. An Alpine macro-region could include Slovenia, Germany, Austria, France and Lichtenstein. (MD)