Adriatic/Ionian macro-region, push for EU

To set up an Adriatic/Ionian macro-region, based on the existing model located in the Baltic Sea recognised by the European Council, to draw the Countries of the western Balkans closer to the EU, and also to promote, together with the Italian regions, ''more coordinated and efficient'' development projects in the context of a territorial cohesion policy.
Such is Italy's objective. Italy has always considered the western Balkans as one of the priorities of its foreign policy, especially as regards the infrastructures and energy security sectors.

''We start from the idea that the Adriatic is an area of union and not of separation, and that Italy can lead, in the stability of the Balkans, the entry of all the Countries of former Yugoslavia into the EU'', is the explanation offered by foreign affairs undersecretary Alfredo Mantica, who appeared at the convention named ''Verso la costituzione di una Macro Regione adriatico-ionica'' hosted in Bari's 'Fiera del Levante', along with Mercedes Bresso, president of the Committee of EU Regions, Nichi Vendola and Michele Iorio, the governors of Apulia and Molise, and the representatives of all the regions that give onto the Adriatic and Ionian Sea (Sicily was absent despite being invited).



News source: EMG.rs link: article