Joint Fora della Macroregione Adriatico Ionica – 19-20 Ottobre Olympia

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Olympia: Decision on linking secretariates of three Fora of Adriatic and Ioninan region adopted

First joint Fora of Chambers of Commerce, Cities and Universities of the Adriatic and Ionian region was held in Olympia, Greece, 19 and 20 October, in cooperation with the Permanent Secretariat of the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative and three Greek Chambers of Commerce (Illia, Patrasso, Agrinio). With this merge, the three Fora as key stakeholders of the Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR), will capitalize on existing networks and develop and coordinate international and cross-border projects, supporting the implementation of the Action Plan.

While emphasizing the role of this macro-region, Andrea Mairate, head of Unit Competence Centre Macro-regions and European Territorial Cooperation, DG Regio, pointed out: “The recognition of the Adriatic and Ionian macro-region states how the stability of this heterogeneous area is important for the European Union. Only a serious plan that strengthens social and economic elements on the level of member states, will set the region on a solid foundation. In this sense, we will be ready to face all challenges, finding new solutions to new problems.” To implement EUSAIR strategy from the EC point of view, better to consider the following issues :

  • Integration (connect the territories);
  • Cooperation (tackle the common problems)
  • Coordination (governance system, rules, structure)

The Member of European Parliament, Mrs. Maria Spiraky, illustrated the EU policy framework wich can be adopted for EUSAIR implementation based on Flexibility (tackle the critical issues such migration)- Smart experimentation (develop pilot projects)- Collaborative complementarity (use a combination of public funds available).

“The European Investment Bank (EIB), in addition to infrastructural projects of the region, using tactical flexibility like the resiliant initiative to support investments (eg. refugee crisis, migration) and on the economic subjects through the new approach of combined financing (loans and grants),” said Maria Elena Petrakou, representative of the EIB .

Dimitris Dimitriadis of the European Economic and Social Committee, repeated the importance of involving the private sector, infrastructural connectivity and transparency of the administration.

To conclude Mr Alexis Haritsis, the Greek Deputy Minister of Econmy, Development and Tourism, stressed the issue of implementing transnational projects that can give results for all the 8 EUSAIR countries, focusing on the cohesion policy, which is an identity value for Europe itself

Supporting the importance of this meeting, on the second day of the Fora, ambassador of the Republic of Croatia in Greece, H. E. John Starฤeviฤ‡, addressed the present audience.

With numerous representatives of EU institutions, the Adriatic and Ionian Cities, Chambers of Commerce and Universities, representatives from Forum of the Adriatic and Ionian Chamber of Commerce: President Giampieri, Secretary-General Mr. De Vita and from Croatian Chamber of Economy County Chambers Split, Dubrovnik and Rijeka, Chamber of Durres, Italian Chambers of Pordenone, Udine, Ancona, Macerata, Chieti, Pescara, Molise, Brindisi, Greek Chambers from Ilia, Achaia, Agrinio, Corfu, Preveza, Kefolonia & Ithaca, Zakynthos, Thesprotia.

 

PROGRAMMA
Andrea Mairate – Head of Unit Competence Centre Macro-regions and European Territorial Co-operation – transnational and Interregional Co-operation – DG REGIO
Maria Elena Petrakou – European Investment Bank โ€“ Western Balkans Unit

Michele De Vita – Forum Chambers of Commerce

Mario Giordano – Uniadrion

Ida Simonella – Forum Cities

Best practice_Silvia Mangialardo – Sunbeam Project

Best practice_Giovanni Manzotti – Ecapital Culture

Project Proposal_Monia Franceschini