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The XX Conference of Presidents and Speakers of Parliaments of the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative took place in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia, on 23-24 April 2026, under the chairmanship of the President of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia, Mr. Afrim Gashi. Held in a context marked by evolving geopolitical challenges and renewed pressures on multilateralism, the Conference reaffirmed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy as a key instrument to strengthen regional dialogue, stability and cooperation, while advancing the European integration of the Adriatic-Ionian region.
On 15 April 2026, the Secretary General of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta, took part in the 15th Congress on Female Entrepreneurship in the Adriatic-Ionian Area, held in Mostar in the framework of the Mostar International Economic Fair.
The Secretary General of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta, attended the high-level conference held in Trieste on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the Executive Secretariat of the Central European Initiative (CEI).
The event was opened by the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, and brought together institutional representatives, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and delegations from CEI Member States. It provided an opportunity to reflect on the role of the CEI over the past three decades in fostering regional cooperation and supporting the European integration process.
Discussions highlighted the importance of promoting stability, connectivity and sustainable development in the region, with particular attention to the Western Balkans and Ukraine. Participants also underlined the need to further strengthen multilateral dialogue and coordination among regional organisations.
In this context, Secretary General Castellaneta also held bilateral exchanges with Franco Dal Mas (CEI), Amer Kapetanović (Regional Cooperation Council – RCC), and Lazar Comanescu (Black Sea Economic Cooperation – BSEC).
The participation of the AII confirms its continued attention to regional cooperation dynamics in the wider Adriatic-Ionian and Central European area, in a spirit of complementarity among existing regional frameworks.
The city of Ancona has been officially designated Italian Capital of Culture 2028, a prestigious national title awarded annually by the Italian Ministry of Culture to promote cultural development, innovation, and territorial regeneration across the country.
The recognition follows a competitive selection process involving several candidate cities and is accompanied by significant national visibility and funding aimed at supporting cultural projects and long-term urban transformation.
An Award Recognizing Vision and Openness
According to the evaluation committee, Ancona’s proposal was deemed “excellent”, standing out for its broad and contemporary vision of culture. The winning dossier highlights the city’s strong identity as a bridge between the Adriatic, the Mediterranean, and Europe, as well as its historical vocation for openness, dialogue, and exchange.
At the core of the project lies the idea of culture as a driver of sustainable development, social cohesion, and innovation. The programme combines urban regeneration, cultural production, youth engagement, and accessibility, with the ambition of leaving a lasting legacy beyond 2028.
The project also places particular emphasis on Ancona’s maritime dimension and its role as a “city-port”, where cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and creative industries converge into a dynamic and forward-looking ecosystem.
A European and International Dimension
Ancona’s designation carries a strong European and international significance. The city has long been a key hub for regional cooperation in the Adriatic-Ionian area and plays a central role within the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative and the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR).
As highlighted in the winning dossier, Ancona is not only geographically but also institutionally positioned as a gateway between Italy, the Balkans, and the wider Mediterranean. Its cultural programme for 2028 aims to further strengthen these connections through international partnerships, cultural networks, and cross-border cooperation.
The Role of the AII Permanent Secretariat
Ancona is also home to the Permanent Secretariat of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, reinforcing its role as a center for dialogue and cooperation in South-East Europe.
In this context, the Secretariat warmly welcomes the designation of Ancona as Italian Capital of Culture 2028 and reaffirms its commitment to actively supporting the city in maximizing the international dimension of this important opportunity. Building on its experience in fostering regional cooperation, the Secretariat will work to promote synergies, partnerships, and initiatives that can enhance the visibility and impact of Ancona 2028 across the Adriatic-Ionian region and beyond.
Looking Ahead
The title of Italian Capital of Culture represents not only a recognition of Ancona’s rich cultural heritage and dynamic vision, but also a strategic opportunity to strengthen its role as a cultural and institutional hub at the European level.
As preparations begin, Ancona is set to embark on a transformative journey that will further position the city as a laboratory of culture, innovation, and international cooperation—fully aligned with the values and mission of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative.
On 4 March 2026, the meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative (AII) took place in Ohrid, under the Chairmanship of North Macedonia, bringing together representatives of participating countries and the AII Permanent Secretariat.
The meeting provided an opportunity to review the progress of the Chairmanship’s programme and to exchange views on the main activities carried out in recent months in support of regional cooperation and the European integration of the Western Balkans. Among the initiatives highlighted were high-level discussions on migration governance and cooperation with regional organisations, as well as activities promoting academic mobility and youth engagement across the Adriatic-Ionian area.
Senior Officials were informed that the drafting process of the annual AII/EUSAIR Ministerial Declaration has started in view of the forthcoming Adriatic-Ionian Council. As in previous years, the document will reflect the “double-hat” nature of the governance of the Adriatic-Ionian region, ensuring coherence between the intergovernmental dimension of the AII and the macro-regional framework of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR).
Participants were also updated on the preparations for the XX Conference of the Presidents/Speakers of AII Parliaments, which will take place in Skopje on 23–24 April 2026. The Conference will focus on two main themes: promoting peace and stability through parliamentary diplomacy and strengthening regional connectivity, with particular attention to the development of Corridors VIII and X.
During the meeting, delegations also discussed the future order of AII Chairmanships, in light of recent developments within the EUSAIR framework, with the aim of maintaining coherence and alignment between the two governance systems.
Delegations were further informed about the current state of play regarding the request submitted by Cyprus to join the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative and EUSAIR.
The CSO confirmed the continued commitment of participating countries to strengthening political dialogue, regional connectivity and cooperation within the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region.
The minutes of the meeting will be circulated to delegations in due course.
On the margins of the CSO, the 26th Governing Board Meeting of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) was also held in Ohrid on 4–5 March. On that occasion, Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta, Secretary General of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, reported to the Governing Board on the main outcomes of the discussions held within the CSO framework.