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The first AII Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) under Hellenic Chairmanship was held in Brussels on October 9, 2024.

The Adriatic-Ionian Initiative (AII) Permanent Secretariat took part in the 19th Coordination Meeting of Regional Organisations, hosted on 4 December by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) at its Secretariat in Sarajevo. The meeting gathered Secretaries General and senior representatives of the RCC, CEI, BSEC and AII to discuss how smarter, more resilient and sustainable connectivity can foster inclusive economic development and strengthen regional cooperation across South-East Europe.

The meeting opened with introductory remarks by Amer Kapetanović, RCC Secretary General; Giovanni Castellaneta, Secretary General of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative (AII); Lazăr Comănescu, Secretary General of the Organisation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC); and Franco Dal Mas, Secretary General of the Central European Initiative (CEI).

Alongside delegations of RCC, CEI, BSEC and AII, the meeting also gathered representatives of the Sofia Chairmanship-in-Office of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), the World Bank, and the Bosnia and Herzegovina Chairmanship of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR). Discussions focused on the theme “Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Connectivity among the Regions: Enhancing sustainable and inclusive economic development for resilience through connectivity among the regions and regional cooperation.”

In his remarks, AII Secretary General Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta highlighted the centrality of connectivity to the AII’s mission, recalling the Initiative’s role in promoting political dialogue, regional stability and economic cooperation across a space linking EU Member States, the Western Balkans and the wider Mediterranean. He underlined the importance of strengthening transport, energy and digital links, advancing people-to-people mobility, and supporting the European integration process of the Western Balkans. Ambassador Castellaneta also reiterated the AII’s commitment to closer coordination with other regional frameworks, building on existing cooperation instruments such as the AII–CEI Memorandum of Understanding and the Letter of Intent with BSEC.

During the tour de table, delegations exchanged insights on strategic priorities, ongoing transformation agendas and future coordination needs. Participants discussed opportunities for joint analytical work, possible project-based cooperation, enhanced visibility actions, and structured mechanisms to reduce duplication and deliver greater impact across the region.

The meeting reaffirmed the strong commitment of all participating organisations to deepen cooperation, strengthen resilience and advance a more connected, competitive and sustainable South-East Europe. The AII reiterated its readiness to contribute actively to joint efforts, including in areas such as transport and energy connectivity, youth and academic cooperation, environmental resilience and digital transformation.

The next Coordination Meeting of Regional Organisations will be hosted by the Organisation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC).

AII Round Table - “The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum: Dialogue with the Western Balkans on Implementation and Regional Implications”
Skopje, 18 November 2025
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of the Republic of North Macedonia

The Adriatic–Ionian Initiative (AII), under the Chairmanship of North Macedonia, held a high-level Round Table in Skopje on 18 November 2025 dedicated to the implications of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum for the Western Balkans. The event gathered representatives of EU institutions, Frontex, IOM, MARRI, civil society organisations, academia, and public authorities from AII participating countries. The discussion provided a timely opportunity to examine the implementation of the Pact, explore its regional impact, and identify avenues for strengthened cooperation between the European Union and Western Balkan partners.

Opening Session

The Round Table was opened by Tina Djepovska, Regional Initiatives Coordinator at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, who welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of structured dialogue at a moment when the EU is preparing for the implementation phase of the Pact in 2026. She stressed that the Western Balkans stand at the centre of Europe’s migration governance, making their involvement essential for the success of the new framework.

Ambassador Andrej Lepavcov, Director for EU and National Coordinator for AII & EUSAIR, emphasised that macro-regional initiatives such as the AII offer a unique platform for policy coordination, knowledge exchange, and trust-building. He underlined the strategic relevance of migration for the Chairmanship of North Macedonia, particularly in relation to security, border management, digital transformation, youth and demographic trends, and labour mobility. The Pact’s balance between irregular migration management and the expansion of safe and legal pathways reflects key regional priorities.

Representing the AII Permanent Secretariat, Filippo Alabardi highlighted the role of the Initiative in supporting regional integration, fostering dialogue, and accompanying Western Balkan partners on their EU path. He recalled that the AII and EUSAIR provide frameworks where EU Member States and candidate countries cooperate on equal footing, sharing methodologies and working practices relevant to accession negotiations. He welcomed the strong participation at the event, noting that migration and asylum are among the most pressing issues for Europe and the Western Balkans today.

Panel Discussion and Q&A

The panel brought together institutional representatives and experts to assess progress, challenges, and opportunities linked to the new Pact. Angela Boranieva, Director of the MARRI Regional Centre, underlined that the Western Balkans have made significant progress in aligning with the EU acquis over the past decade. She presented MARRI’s mandate to promote a coordinated regional approach in migration, asylum, border management, trafficking, visa policy, and readmission. MARRI is developing a new three-year strategy to support the region’s adaptation to the Pact, including the creation of a coordination platform to ensure harmonised implementation. She stressed that well-managed mobility in the Western Balkans contributes directly to stability and development.

Speaking online, Giulia Amaducci (European Commission, DG HOME) emphasised the need for full alignment of Western Balkan partners with the EU’s visa policy, identifying it as a priority area. She highlighted the importance of addressing trafficking and migrant smuggling as part of a comprehensive approach. The Pact introduces new tools and procedures related to screening, border management, asylum, and return, and the Commission expects close cooperation with Western Balkan partners in preparations for its implementation.

Vladimir Petronijević, former Executive Director of Grupa 484, noted that the Pact has profound implications for the Western Balkans, especially regarding cross-border cooperation and the EU integration process. He observed that the flexible solidarity mechanism currently excludes Western Balkan countries, but argued that many challenges could be addressed through the region’s progressive integration and alignment with EU standards.

Denis Knauer (Frontex) presented the Agency’s growing cooperation with Western Balkan partners, calling it “more advanced than with any other third countries.” He outlined Frontex’s work on screening protocols, border checks, operational models, security procedures, and the use of technological tools. He noted that Frontex currently deploys liaison officers in the region and conducts joint operations, surveillance activities, training programmes, and technical assistance projects, often in cooperation with IOM.

From a civil society perspective, Teodora Kjoseva Kostadinovska (MYLA) highlighted the need to further strengthen legal assistance, especially for vulnerable groups such as unaccompanied minors. She noted improvements in national asylum procedures but pointed to persisting challenges including access to health insurance, the need for contingency planning, and better data management systems. She stressed the importance of capacity-building and legal training for officials and emphasised that regional cooperation can support national reforms.

Professor Stojanovski (Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime) underlined the unique role of MARRI as a regional mechanism capable of facilitating the adaptation of the new EU framework in the Western Balkans. He reiterated that the Pact is particularly relevant for the region given its EU integration objectives.

An IOM representative took part in the discussion and Q&A, addressing questions related to operational cooperation, support to national authorities, and capacity-building for screening, reception, and return procedures.

During the open discussion, participants reflected on several operational priorities: the need for practical harmonisation of procedures and standards across the Western Balkans; alignment with the EU visa regime; enhanced cooperation on legal labour migration; coordinated regional responses to trafficking and smuggling; and the strengthening of reception capacities, screening facilities, and contingency planning. The importance of continuing structured dialogue and joint situational assessments was repeatedly emphasised.

Conclusions

The concluding session summarised the main messages of the Round Table. Participants agreed that the New Pact represents a major step forward, but its implementation will require sustained national efforts and reinforced cooperation with Western Balkan partners. Alignment and interoperability—from border screening to asylum processing and return—will be essential for the effectiveness of the new system. The Western Balkans are indispensable partners in shaping a stable, predictable, and humane migration governance framework.

Regional cooperation and capacity-building remain key pillars, supported by EU agencies such as Frontex and by regional initiatives including AII, EUSAIR, and MARRI. Speakers stressed that migration governance must remain centred on fundamental rights, protection needs, and fair procedures.

The Adriatic–Ionian Initiative reaffirmed its commitment to supporting this dialogue and facilitating cooperation among participating countries as implementation of the Pact advances. The event concluded with a shared understanding that the success of the Pact will depend on collective action, coordinated planning, and the continued strengthening of regional partnerships.

On 25 November 2025, the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative Permanent Secretariat took part in the first edition of the Western Balkans Promotion Fair, organised by UniAdrion – the Association of Universities of the Adriatic-Ionian Region – and hosted by the Università Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM) in Ancona. The event gathered more than 20 universities from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia, together with students engaged in Erasmus+ mobility across the macro-region. Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to join country-focused sessions, visit information stands, exchange with peers, and explore new opportunities for mobility and academic cooperation.

The Fair opened with institutional remarks delivered first by the UNIVPM Vice-Rector, who welcomed participants and underlined the university’s strong commitment to fostering international cooperation. This was followed by an address from Prof. Aleksander Ivanov, Vice-Rector of the University “St. Kliment Ohridski” of Bitola, who stressed the importance of mobility programmes for the Western Balkans and for advancing the region’s European perspective. Ms. Eleonora Tramannoni, Secretary General of the Forum of the Adriatic and Ionian Chambers of Commerce, then highlighted the role of the business sector and the value of developing cross-border skills. Finally, Ms. Ava Ghasemi, President of ESN Student Network, emphasised the crucial contribution of Erasmus+ exchanges in promoting inclusion, youth engagement and intercultural understanding.

Representing the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, Executive Officer Filippo Alabardi delivered the institutional greetings on behalf of the AII Secretariat. In his address, he recalled the mission of the Initiative and underlined its long-standing partnership with UniAdrion and the academic community. He noted several concrete achievements resulting from this cooperation, such as AII-supported scholarships for students from participating countries, the establishment of the Adriatic Ionian Cooperation Chair at UNIVPM, and the Western Balkanships mobility programme implemented with UniAdrion and the Forum of Chambers of Commerce, which has enabled students to undertake internships across the region. These initiatives, he affirmed, reflect a shared conviction that supporting youth, education and mobility is essential for building a more connected and forward-looking Adriatic-Ionian Region.

Mr. Alabardi also recalled the upcoming AII Annual Round Table on Inter-University Cooperation, to be held on 4 December 2025 at the University “St. Kliment Ohridski” of Bitola under the AII Chairmanship of North Macedonia. He also welcomed the significant contribution of universities, cities and chambers of commerce in the framework of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR).. The AII expresses its appreciation to UniAdrion, UNIVPM, the participating universities and student organisations for the successful organisation of this edition of the Western Balkans Promotion Fair and looks forward to continuing to support initiatives that bring together young people, academic institutions and stakeholders across the Region.

The first official visit of the Secretary General of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative (AII), Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta, to the Republic of San Marino took place on November 6th, at Palazzo Begni. The Secretary General was welcomed by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Luca Beccari, together with the AII Senior Official for San Marino, Silvia Marchetti, and other representatives of the Secretariat of State.

The meeting provided an important opportunity to exchange views on San Marino’s role within the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative and its contribution to the wider European integration process. Discussions focused on the principles of regional cohesion, connectivity and cooperation, as well as on the added value that countries with specific institutional features can bring to building a more connected and resilient Adriatic-Ionian macro-region.

Secretary General Castellaneta expressed appreciation for the path undertaken by San Marino, which joined the AII in 2019 and became part of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) in 2022. He commended the Republic’s active and respected engagement within the regional framework and reaffirmed the Secretariat’s readiness to closely cooperate in view of the future San Marino Chairmanship of the AII (2028–2029) — a milestone that will further strengthen the country’s international role.

During the meeting, Ambassador Castellaneta also welcomed the imminent conclusion of the Association Agreement between San Marino and the European Union, describing it as a crucial step towards deeper integration into the European framework and enhanced participation in EU programmes and funding mechanisms.

Secretary of State Luca Beccari stressed that the meeting “has further strengthened a framework aimed at promoting regional cohesion and recognising the unique contribution of States united by common values of cooperation, dialogue and solidarity.”

Following the talks at Palazzo Begni, the Secretary General and his delegation were received in audience by the Captains Regent, Matteo Rossi and Lorenzo Bugli, at Palazzo Pubblico, where he signed the Book of Distinguished Guests. The Heads of State stressed that “only through integration, territorial cohesion and collaboration can we face the global challenges and transformations of our time with awareness and responsibility.”

The visit confirmed San Marino’s commitment to reinforcing its engagement within the Adriatic-Ionian framework and to contributing actively to the construction of a more inclusive, cooperative and united Europe.

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