Further regional co-operation can lead to an integrated maritime policy

President of the Region of Western Greece and Vice -Chair of the CoR's International group for the Adriatic-Ionian region, Apostolos Katsifaras, outlines his opinion of what's next for regional co-operation and development of the Adriatic-Ionian region.

In today's complex and globalised world, interdependence between cities and regions is no longer restricted to the national level, it also extends across borders.

The development of regional cooperation across the Adriatic and Ionian Seas through the EUSAIR macro-regional strategy provides an opportunity to move away from one-off cooperation initiatives and isolated, small-scale efforts towards carefully organised cooperation, sharing knowledge, pooling resources, harnessing shared opportunities and tackling shared problems.

The Region of Western Greece has taken an active part in this debate from the outset, and through the Adriatic-Ionian Interregional Group at the Committee of the Regions - of which I am Vice-Chair - we are working for cooperation of this kind to become a pillar of economic development and social well-being for our regions and countries.

During a prolonged period of crisis and uncertainty, EUSAIR can generate development and employment in the Adriatic-Ionian region by means of cooperation and the implementation of common programmes in the sectors covered by the strategy in order to boost attractiveness, increase competitiveness, strengthen connectivity and protect our environmental heritage.

The EUSAIR macro-regional strategy is built on and around the maritime dimension, with the Maritime Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Seas forming its core. The maritime strategy, which was one of the Greek Presidency's priorities, must therefore remain high on the agenda. Together, the Greek Presidency, now drawing to a close, and the Italian Presidency that follows mean that the Presidency of the European Union will be Mediterranean-led for an entire year, with Integrated Maritime Policy a cross-cutting priority.

There is also a need, first, to increase awareness in civil society of what EUSAIR means for people and the added value it brings them and, second, to consolidate the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region's identity as a shared domain for all its inhabitants and as a valuable asset that must be safeguarded and developed, as it represents a factor for the prosperity of all.

A cohesive and effective macro-regional strategy that responds to the aims and expectations of citizens and local communities can offer a way to make the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region an area of peace, security, stability, prosperity, intercultural dialogue and interregional cooperation.