AII-PS Hosts the Launch of the 20th Adriatico Mediterraneo Festival - 23 July, Ancona
The Permanent Secretariat of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative hosted the official presentation of the 20th edition of the Adriatico Mediterraneo Festival, reaffirming its longstanding support for one of the Adriatic-Ionian region's leading cultural events.
Taking place in Ancona from 26 August to 30 September 2026, the Festival will feature more than 30 events, including concerts, exhibitions, talks, film screenings and literary encounters, bringing together artists, writers and cultural figures from across the Adriatic and Mediterranean regions.
Celebrating its twentieth anniversary, this year's edition places a special focus on Italy, in the framework of its Presidency of both the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative (AII) and the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR), highlighting the role of culture in fostering dialogue, mutual understanding and regional cooperation. The Adriatico Mediterraneo Award 2026 will be dedicated to the memory of Fabio Pigliapoco, honouring his commitment to intercultural dialogue and his longstanding support for the Festival.
Speaking during the press conference, Filippo Alabardi, Executive Officer of the AII Permanent Secretariat, reiterated the Initiative's strong commitment to cultural cooperation as a fundamental pillar of regional integration. "The Adriatic-Ionian Initiative has always supported the Adriatico Mediterraneo Festival because it fully reflects our mission of building bridges between peoples, cultures and communities. International cooperation is not achieved only through institutions and diplomacy, but also through initiatives like this, which bring people closer together and foster greater mutual understanding."
By hosting the launch event once again, the AII Permanent Secretariat renews its commitment to promoting dialogue, cultural exchange and cooperation throughout the Adriatic-Ionian region, recognising culture as a powerful instrument for strengthening mutual trust, bringing communities together and reinforcing shared European values.