Back‑to‑back with the meeting, a dedicated capacity building workshop on EU enlargement further strengthened the role of TSG 3 in supporting candidate countries through macro‑regional cooperation.
The meeting was chaired by the Pillar 3 Co‑Coordinator, Mr Mitja Bricelj (Slovenia), and focused on consolidating the implementation of the revised EUSAIR Action Plan, with particular attention to the marine and coastal environment, transnational terrestrial habitats and biodiversity, and climate resilience. Participants reviewed progress since the previous meeting and discussed next operational steps to ensure tangible results at the macro‑regional level.
A key agenda item was the further development of Pillar 3 implementation formats, including strategic projects and flagships. TSG 3 reviewed progress on the flagship initiative on climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention, and discussed the development of a new flagship initiative proposed by EUSAIR Youth Council members for Pillar 3, focusing on water scarcity, droughts and forest fires. In addition, TSG 3 discussed and supported the advancement of the BIOADRIA FORESTS strategic project concept, which addresses biodiversity protection and climate adaptation of forest ecosystems across the Adriatic‑Ionian Region, as well as the NEATNESS project proposal aimed at reducing plastic pollution in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas through prevention, collection and circular‑economy approaches.
The meeting also featured a dedicated presentation on aquaculture expansion and coastal conflicts, highlighting potential environmental and community impacts of large‑scale aquaculture development in the Adriatic‑Ionian Region. The presentation contributed to discussions on sustainable aquaculture and marine environmental protection under EUSAIR Pillar 3.
Advancing monitoring and evidence-based policymaking
TSG 3 members endorsed the commissioning of a thematic issue paper on the review and development of environmental indicators for monitoring the state of the marine environment at EUSAIR level. This work will support the future EUSAIR monitoring and evaluation system and strengthen evidence‑based decision‑making under Pillar 3, while ensuring coherence with EU and Mediterranean policy frameworks.
In addition, the meeting addressed synergies between EUSAIR and Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3), highlighting opportunities to better connect innovation, environmental priorities and funding instruments across the macro‑region.
Youth engagement in Pillar 3
EUSAIR Youth Council representatives for Pillar 3 – Environmental Quality presented their recent activities and contributions, highlighting the importance of youth engagement in EUSAIR governance and implementation. The presentation showcased the active involvement of young representatives in Pillar 3 processes, including participation in TSG 3 meetings, policy discussions and thematic initiatives related to environmental quality, climate action and sustainability.
Preparation for the 11th EUSAIR Forum
TSG 3 examined and agreed on the proposal for its contribution to the 11th EUSAIR Forum, to be held in Skopje in May 2026. The planned Pillar 3 session will showcase concrete examples of EUSAIR implementation, including the Source‑to‑sea approach, biodiversity protection and systematic conservation, while contributing to the overall Forum theme “Accelerating EUSAIR: From Commitment to Impact”.
Capacity-building on EU enlargement
On 25 March 2026, a capacity building workshop on EUSAIR support to EU enlargement was organised back‑to‑back with the TSG 3 meeting. The workshop focused on how macro‑regional cooperation under Pillar 3 can support candidate countries through policy alignment, capacity development and shared learning, reinforcing EU enlargement as a horizontal priority of the revised EUSAIR Action Plan.
