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On 29–30 September 2025, the CIHEAM Bari Campus hosted the international workshop “Sustainable and Innovative Food Systems: The Mediterranean Diet as a Tool for Tourism and Local Development in EUSAIR Communities”, organized by the EUSAIR Presidency of North Macedonia, CIHEAM Bari, DG REGIO, and the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation Platform (EGP), in cooperation with DG AGRI, DG GROW and DG MOVE.
In the framework of the XXV General Assembly of the Forum of Adriatic and Ionian Cities (FAIC), the international conference “The Development of the Adriatic-Ionian Area between Sustainability, Blue Economy and Culture” was held at the Aurum Cultural and Congress Centre in Pescara. The event brought together mayors, institutional representatives, academics and stakeholders from across the Adriatic-Ionian Region to discuss shared strategies for sustainable growth, blue economy opportunities and cultural cooperation.
The XIX edition of the Adriatic Mediterranean Festival took place in Ancona from August 25 to 30, 2025, once again bringing to the city a rich programme of concerts, performances, seminars, and cultural encounters. This year’s focus was dedicated to North Macedonia, the country holding the Chairmanship of the Adriatic Ionian Initiative and of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) since June 1, 2025.
Among the many events, special attention was given to the talk with Boban Pesov, illustrator, YouTuber and author, who presented his first graphic novel C’era una volta l’Est, in dialogue with journalist and Limes scientific advisor Marco Ansaldo. On the music stage, the internationally renowned Džambo Aguševi Orchestra, led by the “funky tiger” Džambo Agušev – the most acclaimed trumpet player of the Balkans – performed the exclusive national premiere of The Beat of Brass-Heart at the Roman Amphitheatre.
As in previous years, the Festival highlighted the strong partnership with the Adriatic Ionian Initiative, whose Permanent Secretariat is based in Ancona, and paid tribute to its 25 years of commitment to fostering regional cooperation across the Adriatic-Ionian area.
You can download the full programme in PDF.
For more information, please visit the official Festival website.
On September 22nd, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the first meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative (AII) took place - an event that represents a historic moment and a confirmation of the shared commitment to regional cooperation, European integration and constructive multilateralism.
The meeting was organized by the Republic of North Macedonia, which assumed the one-year role of chairman of the AII for the period 2025–2026, and hosted by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mucunski.
In his address, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mucunski, highlighted the symbolism of this year, which marks five years since joining the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR), seven years of membership in AII and 25 years since the signing of the Ancona Declaration – the foundation of this regional initiative.
Under the motto "Strengthening regional unity, advancing the European future", the Chairmanship of North Macedonia affirms its commitment to deepening integration and cooperation between member states and their relationship with the European Union. Mucunski stressed the need for a credible EU enlargement process, noting that the Western Balkans must remain a strategic part of the European future. In that context, the priorities of the Chairmanship were presented: strengthening EU integration and regional trust, digital transformation, better infrastructure connectivity, cultural cooperation and support for youth. In a time of global uncertainty, a clear message was sent: "Unity is our strength, and European integration - a common goal."
On 9–10 July 2025, Ambassador Fabio Pigliapoco, Head of the AII Permanent Secretariat, took part in the TVET Alliance Summit 2025, organised in Ancona by the Skillman Network, in collaboration with the Marche Polytechnic University and a wide range of academic and institutional stakeholders.
The conference, held under the theme “A skills system that empowers people and societies: Future-fit education and training for sustainable development”, explored how Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) can contribute to innovation, resilience, and regional cooperation. In his welcome address during the Opening Session, Ambassador Pigliapoco underlined the importance of aligning skills development with the priorities of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) and highlighted the relevance of the ongoing North Macedonian Chairmanship of the Initiative.
The Summit gathered representatives of the European Commission, ministries, universities, chambers of commerce, youth councils, and international organisations. The debates unfolded through three main sessions:
- Plenary Session 1 – Aligning Skills Development with EUSAIR Priorities: the Skillman Teacher Academy model, exploring how skills strategies can match macro-regional objectives.
- Plenary Session 2 – The Role of Entrepreneurship Education in Regional Development, focusing on entrepreneurial competences as drivers of sustainable growth.
- Plenary Session 3 – Educational Excellence for Lifelong Learning: the coves.eu model, showcasing Centres of Vocational Excellence as engines for innovation and inclusion.
With its strong link to EUSAIR and to the priorities of the Adriatic-Ionian Region, the TVET Alliance Summit provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen cooperation between EU and Western Balkan partners, advancing shared objectives in education, employment, and regional development.