The Crete Declaration has been adopted on the 6 of May 2025 by the high-level political representatives of the AII/EUSAIR participating countries following the 10th Adriatic Ionian Council / EUSAIR Ministerial meeting.
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The XIX Conference of Presidents and Speakers of Parliaments of the Adriatic & Ionian Initiative (AII) was held in Ioannina, Greece, on May 22-23, at a time of significant geopolitical challenges marked by instability, conflict, and uncertainty. The event, hosted by the Hellenic Parliament, brought together parliamentary leaders from AII member countries to reaffirm their commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and shared European values through parliamentary diplomacy. The Secretary General of the AII, Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta, was also in attendance.
High-level delegations included Ms. Elisa Spiropali, Speaker of the Albanian Parliament; Mr. Andro Krstulović Opara, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Croatian Parliament; Mr. Nikitas M. Kaklamanis, President of the Hellenic Parliament; Ms. Licia Ronzulli and Mr. Fabio Rampelli, Vice Presidents of the Italian Senate and Chamber of Deputies respectively; Mr. Andrija Mandić, President of the Parliament of Montenegro; Mr. Matteo Rossi from San Marino’s Consiglio Grande e Generale; Ms. Nevena Đurić, Deputy Speaker of the Serbian Parliament; and Ambassador Tamara Weingerl Požar, representing Slovenia.
The conference was structured around two main sessions. The first focused on the European perspective and the future of the Western Balkans. It was chaired by Mr. Kaklamanis and featured keynote speeches by Mr. Vangelis Meimarakis, Member of the European Parliament and former Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament, and Mr. Dimitrios Skalkos from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Discussions emphasized that EU enlargement is a strategic investment in peace and prosperity. Participants underlined the need for credible accession processes, rooted in merit, democratic reforms, and the rule of law. Several countries reaffirmed their commitment to European integration: Albania aims to join the EU by 2030; Montenegro hopes to conclude accession talks by 2026; and Serbia stressed its intention to complete key reforms. Italy reiterated its strong support, framing enlargement as a form of European reunification and cultural consolidation.
The second session dealt with tourism as a driver for regional growth, focusing on the diversification of tourism supply in the Adriatic-Ionian Region. Keynote contributions came from Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism (via video), and Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, Greek Minister of Tourism. The debate highlighted the importance of responsible and sustainable tourism as a tool for economic development, job creation, and cultural identity. Delegates stressed the urgency of diversifying tourism beyond seasonal peaks and major destinations, promoting lesser-known areas, digital tools, and green practices. National experiences from Serbia, San Marino, and Slovenia offered concrete examples of innovative and sustainable approaches.
The conference concluded with the unanimous adoption of a Joint Statement, reaffirming the shared commitment to regional cooperation, European integration, and sustainable development.
The 10th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) was held in Georgioupolis, Crete, on 6–7 May 2025, under the slogan “Bridging Horizons: Strengthening Cooperation, Resilience and Cohesion in the Adriatic-Ionian Region.” Organised by the Hellenic Republic, the Forum marked a pivotal milestone in regional cooperation, bringing together over 400 participants from across the Adriatic-Ionian Region—including government officials, regional and local representatives, entrepreneurs, researchers, civil society, youth, and international partners.
Read more: ADRIATIC IONIAN COUNCIL – 10TH EUSAIR FORUM – CRETE, 6-7 MAY 2025
On behalf of the Hellenic Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and lonian Region (EUSAIR) and the Adriatic-lonian Initiative, we are honored to invite you to the 10th EUSAIR Annual Forum, taking place on May 6-7, 2025, at the Pilot Beach Resort in Georgioupolis, Crete.
Read more: 10th EUSAIR Annual Forum - 6-7 May 2025, Crete (Greece)
The Hellenic Ministry of Culture, in the framework of the Hellenic Chairmanship of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative (AII) and the Hellenic Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR), is organizing a conference on “Climate Resilience Policies for Coastal Cultural Heritage in the Adriatic-Ionian Region”, which will take place in Kastoria, Greece, from 16 to 18 May 2025.
The event will focus on the challenges posed by climate change to cultural heritage located along coastlines or underwater, with the aim of contributing to the development of effective prevention and adaptation strategies and enhancing cooperation among the countries of the Adriatic-Ionian Region.
Main themes of the conference include:
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Predicting and assessing the impacts of climate change on coastal cultural heritage;
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Building protection and adaptation strategies;
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Promoting cultural heritage as a resource for climate mitigation and sustainable development.
The conference will also explore best practices, local knowledge and innovation in the field, and opportunities for cross-border collaboration in emergency response and resilience building.
Provisional Programme:
Friday, 16 May 2025
Arrival of participants in Kastoria
Cultural visit to the Byzantine Museum and traditional districts of Kastoria
Boat tour on Lake Orestiada
Welcome dinner
Saturday, 17 May 2025
Conference at Esperos Palace Luxury & Spa Hotel
Keynote speeches, presentations by EUSAIR countries and experts
Sunday, 18 May 2025
Round table and workshop at the Tsiatsiapa Mansion
Closing discussion and departure
The city of Kastoria, with its rich cultural and natural heritage, offers a symbolic and relevant setting for this event. Surrounded by mountains and situated on the shores of Lake Orestiada, it is home to a variety of historical monuments and archaeological sites that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
All interested stakeholders are kindly invited to save the date and take part in this important regional initiative.