The EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) is a practical cooperation framework that brings together ten countries around the Adriatic and Ionian seas to work on common goals like protecting the environment, improving transport and energy connections, and boosting tourism and the economy. The strategy focuses on cooperation, so people, ideas, and skills can flow across borders. It also works to strengthen communities and reduce inequalities, making sure everyone benefits from progress. By working together, the region becomes stronger, more sustainable, and better prepared for the future. In short, EUSAIR helps build a region that is stronger, more connected, and better prepared for the future.
EUSAIR Mission: Connecting people and institutions to build a common understanding of cooperation for a harmonised, integrated and sustainable region.
EUSAIR Vision: Joint multi-level solutions for common challenges towards a stronger Adriatic and Ionian region.
Who's involved?
The EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) is a macroregional strategy adopted by the European Commission and endorsed by the European Council in 2014. It was jointly developed by the Commission and the countries of the Adriatic-Ionian Region: EU Member States (Croatia, Greece, Italy, Slovenia) work alongside EU candidate countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia) and San Marino.
EUSAIR is one of the four EU macroregional strategies, alongside the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (2009), the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (2011), and the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (2016).
Today, the strategy brings together ten participating countries and works closely with national governments, regions, local authorities and thematic experts. By connecting institutions and partners across borders, EUSAIR creates a strong cooperation network that supports shared solutions, coordinated actions, and longterm development across the Adriatic-Ionian area.
What does EUSAIR focus on?
The Strategy structures its priorities in the EUSAIR Action Plan. The first Action Plan was adopted in 2014, with a major revision introduced in 2025 to address emerging needs. All priorities are grouped into five pillars—clear “buckets” of activity that people can easily understand:
Blue Sustainable Economy:
support coastal and marine jobs and innovation (from fisheries and aquaculture to smarter maritime services).
Connecting the Region:
improve transport and energy links so travel is easier, safer, and cleaner, and energy supply is more reliable.
Environmental Quality:
protect the sea, coasts, and nature—because clean water, healthy wildlife and resilient habitats mean healthier communities.
Sustainable Tourism:
grow tourism in a way that protects local culture and nature, extends the season, and creates quality jobs.
Improved Social Cohesion (new in 2025):
reduce inequalities, support youth and skills, and make sure progress benefits everyone—in cities, towns and rural areas.
Why it matters?
Countries around the Adriatic and Ionian seas face many shared environmental, social, and economic challenges that do not stop at national borders. EUSAIR enables them to tackle these issues together, coordinating their work and pooling expertise for greater impact. This cooperation strengthens regional stability, supports sustainable growth, reduces inequalities, and improves overall quality of life. By ensuring that progress is inclusive and futureoriented, the strategy helps the region stay resilient, competitive, and prepared for new opportunities.
How it works?
EUSAIR operates through coordinated cooperation between countries and stakeholders who work in thematic areas, develop joint initiatives, and align relevant policies. Regular meetings, governance structures, and thematic networks ensure planning, monitoring, and strategic direction. The strategy does not create new institutions but instead builds on existing ones, using available funding sources more effectively and making crossborder collaboration smoother and more impactful.
Your TakeAway on EUSAIR
EUSAIR is a cooperation framework where ten countries around the Adriatic and Ionian seas work together to address shared challenges and create new opportunities. The Strategy helps protect the environment, improve connections between countries, strengthen tourism and the economy, and enhance quality of life in the region. By coordinating ideas, knowledge, and joint projects, EUSAIR supports more balanced, sustainable development that benefits people across the whole area.