Brussels, 18/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - Corina Cretu officially launched the European strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian region on 18 November. This is an excellent demonstration of the European integration process, said the new Commissioner for Regional Development.
Macro-Region. The “macro-region” bordering this maritime basin was formally established in Brussels at a conference, attended by the Italian Minister for foreign affairs and Cretu, which discussed the concrete aspects of this cross-border cooperation. The European strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian region (EUSAIR) brings together four member states of the Union (Italy, Greece, Slovenia and Croatia) and the same number of third countries (Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Albania), jointly to resolve common problems on their coastlines. The strategy is based on four pillars: blue growth, accessibility by land and by sea, the protection of biodiversity and sustainable tourism.
Governance. In order for success to be assured, Commissioner Cretu stressed the need for good governance. She explained that the European Commission and the national partners would therefore be focusing on a framework for this.
Integration and prosperity. Cretu went on to stress that the EUSAIR initiative would also help to reinforce the European integration process. “It is about strengthening the ties between the member states and also about bringing the participating candidate and potential candidate countries closer to the EU”, she said. Her counterpart for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, added that this was an important stage in the prosperity of the Adriatic-Ionian region. (MD)