This year marks the tenth anniversary of the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR), which since 2014 has brought together ten EU and non-EU countries in a shared commitment to regional cooperation, sustainability, and innovation.

Over the past decade, EUSAIR has established itself as a dynamic platform capable of fostering dialogue among states, aligning common strategic priorities, and supporting the implementation of high-impact cross-border cooperation projects.

From supporting blue growth and environmental protection to improving connectivity and enhancing cultural heritage, each participating country has made a decisive contribution to the progress achieved.

As part of the initiatives launched to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the EUSAIR Strategy, the Facility Point project – in which the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia participates as a partner with technical support from Informest – has planned the monthly publication, on the Strategy’s portal, of a series of “National Stories” that retrace the main contributions of the involved countries toward a more sustainable, integrated, and prosperous Adriatic-Ionian area.

In September, thanks to contributions from the national coordinators for the EUSAIR Macrostrategy, the Italian “National Story” was published, highlighting ten significant achievements within the framework of the Strategy.

In particular, Italy has played a central role in promoting the embedding of EUSAIR priorities within the 2021–2027 European programs, thus fostering greater integration of macroregional policies. The publication also highlights support for the EU enlargement process, with particular attention to the accession prospects of Western Balkan countries. Another key area is the development of Master Plans for transport and energy, strategic guidance tools that strengthen connectivity, promote sustainability, and align with the objectives of the European Green Deal.

The publication not only showcases the results achieved but also Italy’s ability to play a leading role in defining shared priorities and promoting pilot initiatives capable of generating tangible benefits for the entire macroregion. For more details, the official Strategy website can be consulted.