The 22nd meeting of the Thematic Steering Group (TSG2) on Energy within the framework of the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR) took place on November 27, 2025, in Trieste, at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

The meeting was organized under the coordination of the Pillar Coordinators from Italy, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, with the support of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, partner of the EUSAIR Facility Point project.

As part of the implementation of the new EUSAIR Action Plan, TSG2 members discussed the progress of ongoing activities and operational priorities for the coming months. Key topics addressed during the meeting included:

• The update of the Energy Master Plan, a strategic document aimed at guiding the macro-region toward decarbonization and energy integration goals by 2050;
• The preparation of two Issue Papers dedicated respectively to “Hydrogen Production and Deployment Road-Map for the Western Balkans Region” and “Artificial Intelligence Prospects and Use in the Energy Systems of the Adriatic and Ionian Region”;
• The need to strengthen coordination between EU and non-EU countries, particularly enhancing the contribution of the Western Balkans to improve infrastructure and interconnections.

The coordinators also emphasized the importance of greater involvement of younger generations in macro-regional decision-making processes. In this context, the proposal for an intergenerational pact within EUSAIR was highlighted, aimed at integrating youth perspectives into energy policies and promoting the active participation of young experts in the sector.

During the meeting, proposals for events and initiatives currently being planned under the 2026 Energy Pillar Work Program were presented, including:

• A dedicated energy session within the 11th EUSAIR Annual Forum (May 2026, North Macedonia);
• An event on developments in Artificial Intelligence and its applications to energy systems (Slovenia, Summer 2026);
• An event focused on hydrogen production and dissemination in the Western Balkans Region (Friuli Venezia Giulia, Autumn 2026);
• A working meeting on the renewable energy roadmap for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (Croatia, Autumn 2026).

The discussions confirmed the central role of macro-regional cooperation in addressing common challenges related to energy transition, supply security, and the development of resilient and innovative energy systems.

The next TSG2 Energy meeting will take place in Skopje in Spring 2026, in coordination with the activities planned under the North Macedonian EUSAIR Presidency.