EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region: Implementation of Pillar 2. «Connecting the Region» Trieste, 3 rd December 2015 EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian.

EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region: Implementation of Pillar 2. «Connecting the Region»Trieste, 3rd December 2015

EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region:Implementation of

Pillar 2. «Connecting the Region»

EA SEA WAY Conference

Pilot Projects presentation and analysis on future projects on people mobility in the Adriatic Ionian area

(Trieste, 3rd December 2015)

Elisabetta RejaFriuli Venezia Giulia RegionInternational Relations and Strategic Infrastructures Office


• EU macroregional strategies: concept and added value• EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR):

challenges and opportunities• EUSAIR Action Plan• Focus on EUSAIR Pillar 2. “Connecting the Region”• How to implement the Action Plan: the governance• Functions of the Thematic Steering Groups-TSG• TSG2 composition and activities• Key issues

Main topics


Functional «soft» policy space: a regional sense of identity;

a wish for common strategic planning;

and a willingness to pool resources

A macro-regional strategy should be endorsed by the European Parliament and Council.

Reinforced cooperation based on integrated development and «place-based» approach

EU macroregional strategies: concept and definition

Regulation 1303/2013 (Common Provisions on ESIF 2014-20)

Art. 2, 31) Definition of “macroregional strategy”:

1) is an integrated framework relating to Member States and third countries in the same geographical area;

2) addresses common challenges;

3) benefits from strengthened cooperation for economic, social and territorial cohesion


The concept also incorporates principles of:• integration – objectives should be embedded in existing policy frameworks (EU,

regional, national, local, pre-accession), programmes (EU, country-specific, territorial cooperation, sectorial), and financial instruments;• coordination – policies, strategies and funding resources • cooperation – countries should cooperate, and sectors also, across the region,

changing the ‘mind-set’ from inward to outward-looking regional development ideas;

• multi-level governance – different levels of policy-makers should work better • partnership – EU and non-EU countries can work together

EU macroregional strategies: concept and definition


EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region - EUSAIR

Albania, Bosnia Erzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia

Promote sustainable economical and social prosperity of the Region improving its attractiveness, competitiveness and connectivity, while preserving the environment and ensuring healthy and balanced marine and coastal ecosystem

Support the full integration of the non EU States


EUSAIR (http://www.adriatic-ionian.eu/)

European Council conclusion of December 2012: presentation by the Commission of a new EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian region before the end of 2014

Stakeholders Consultation (July-December 2013) and Athens Conference (February 2014)

Communication concerning the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region - 17.06.2014 - COM(2014) 357 final and Action Plan

European Council endorsement on 23-24 October 2014

Launch of EUSAIR (Bruxelles, 18 novembre 2014) –«Joint Statement» and «Working Paper» on governance

Governing Board first meeting (Ancona, 22-23 gennaio 2014) and three round of TSGs meetings (March-April; June-July; November-December 2015)


EUSAIR: challenges and opportunities

Major challenges: Socio-economic disparities, Transport (Infrastructure deficits and poor accessibility), Energy (interconnection of electricity grids remains inadequate and investments in gas infrastructure are essential), Environment (Increased human use of the marine and coastal space threatens ecosystems), Natural and man-made hazards and risks entailed by climate change, Administrative and institutional issues

Clarifying and designing the strategic position of the Region in Europe, ensuring equal decision-making power to Member States and non EU Countries;

Streamlining measures, projects and investments able to produce a multiplying effect on the entire value productive chain

Defining a clear, homogenous and functioning framework, as prerequisite to be operational


Response: EUSAIR Action Plan (Rolling document)

1. BLU GROWTH

(Greece- Montenegro)

2. CONNECTINGTHE REGION

(Italy-Serbia)

3. ENVIRONMENTQUALITY

(Slovenia-Bosnia Erzegovina)

4. SUSTAINABLETOURISM

(Croatia-Albania)

1.1 Blue technologies 2.1 Maritime transport3.1 The marine environment

4.1 Diversified tourism offer (products and services)

1.2 Fisheries and aquaculture

2.2 Intermodal connections to the hinterland

3.2 Transnational terrestrial habitats and biodiversity

4.2 Sustainable and responsible tourism management (innovation and quality)

1.3 Maritime and marine governance and services

2.3 Energy networks

4 Pillars (Specific Objectives -Topics, Actions, projects)Capacity building, Research and Innovation, SMEs (cross-cutting issues) +

Climate change and risk management (horizontal principles)

http://www.balticsea-region-strategy.eu/


EUSAIR Action Plan: Pillar 2. «Connecting the Region»

- Infrastructure deficits, notably between EU Member States and the other countries which requires urgent measures and intervention for a full integration of Western Balkans network and services in to EU

- Bottlenecks, to be removed, and missing links, intermodal connections which need rehabilitation

- Excessive waiting times and procedures at borders hamper freight

movement- Multi-modal transport is little developed and is necessary to

intervene on maritime traffic congestion- A strategic position which enables to reduce travel sea distance

from Far East to Central Europe market- Potential to increase the competitiveness of hinterland economies

by improving land-sea connectivity and intermodal transportation

To improve transport and energy connectivity in the Region and with the rest of Europe



EUSAIR Action Plan: Pillar 2. (Topics and specific Objectives)

•To strengthen maritime safety and security and develop a competitive regional intermodal port system

Maritime transport

• To develop reliable transport networks and intermodal connections with the hinterland, both for freight and passengers

Intermodal connection

s to the hinterland

• To achieve a well-interconnected and well-functioning internal energy market

Energy networks



EUSAIR Action Plan: Pillar 2. (Topics and indicative Actions)

• Clustering port activities/services”• “Improving and Harmonizing traffic

monitoring and management”• “Developing ports, optimising port

interfaces, infrastructures and procedures /Operations”

Maritime transport

• Developing the Western Balkans comprehensive network”

• “Improving the accessibility of the coastal areas and islands”

• “Developing motorways of the sea”• “Railway reform”• “Development of air transport”• “Cross-border facilitation”

Intermodal connection

s to the hinterland

• “Cross-border electricity interconnections”

• “Gas pipelines”• “Support the establishment of a well-functioning electricity market”

• “Remove barriers for cross-border investments”

Energy networks



How to implement? EUSAIR governance

Joint statement of 8 Countries on Governance

(Bruxelles, 18 November 2014)

GOVERNING BOARD

Interface between the operational/managerial level (Thematic Steering Groups) and the political/ministerial level

Political level and strategic guidance

THEMATIC STEERING GROUPS

- One per pillar

- Coordinated by twins Countries

Implementing Level

STAKEHOLDERS PLATFORM

ETC OP ADRION 2014-20


Thematic Steering Group – Composition and functions

• Designated standing Members at national (ministerial) and regional level (only Italy at present: two nominated Regions per TSG as Interregional Coodinators) entitled to represent respective Countries + EU Commission Services (guests are foreseen)

Identifying and endorsing actions/projects on the basis of broad and specific criteria; Promoting relevant regional surveys, technical and economic feasibility studies and comparative analyses to set priorities amongst identified actions/projects; Liaising with the other TSGs; Liaising with the Round Tables under the Adriatic Ionian Initiative Liaising with Managing Authorities/National IPA Coordinators of EU

programmes in EU and non-EU countries; Liaising with relevant EU programmes directly managed by the Commission, International Financial Institutions, regional cooperation organisations, etc.; Liaise with, and seek inputs from stakeholders relevant for the pillar through the Stakeholder Platform, whenever deemed appropriate


Pillar 2. Thematic Steering Group – TSG2• 4 Italian and Serbian Pillar Coordinators (Ministerial

representatives: 2 for Transport and 2 for Energy)• Standing members are the representatives of Ministries of

Transport and Infrastructure/Energy (Friuli Venezia Giulia Autonomous Region and Abuzzo Region representatives are standing members as well)

• FVG Region plays a role of TSG2 Technical Support Unit, under the supervision, direction and guidance of Pillar 2 Coordinators

• Three round meetings: Trieste (April, 20-21st), Belgrade (July, 6-7th), Rome (December,14-15th)

Prioritarization exercise- Common position on prioritarisation of (Indicative) Actions and criteria- Identification/selection of measures/projects (on the basis of level of maturity, relevance,

added value for the strategy, impact quality and specific criteria)- Identification of financial schemes and instrument for their realization




Key issues• Promote structural projects taking into account the multi-annual

financial framework 2014-2020: coordination between OPs and priorities, combination of Funds

• Pooling together competences and experiences better and smart management solution at the programming level

• Support the elaboration of projects also through dedicated mechanisms (at the prefeasibility study level)

• Create a virtuous circle between different layers (EU, MS and Regions, stakeholders) taking in to account existing macroregional strategies (promoting dialogue and exchange of experiences)



Thank you for your attention

[email protected]


EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region: Implementation of Pillar 2. «Connecting the Region» Trieste, 3 rd December 2015 EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian.

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