Macro-Regional Strategies in the Western Balkans

A ‘Macroregional strategy’ is an integrated framework endorsed by the European Council, supported by the European Structural and Investment Funds, to address common challenges faced by Member States and third countries within a defined geographical area. This strengthened cooperation aims to achieve economic, social, and territorial cohesion.

Four EU macro-regional strategies, covering several policies, have been adopted so far:

• The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (2009)
• The EU Strategy for the Danube Region (2010)
• The EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (2014)
• The EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (2015)

Macro-regions are connected areas with shared needs and challenges. To harness cooperation potential, political leaders established macro-regional strategies, which promote better cooperation across borders, sectors, and governance levels.

These strategies act as flexible platforms for strategic networking, coordinating joint policies and actions beyond physical and psychological barriers. Diverse groups collaborate on thematic platforms to create work plans that drive on-the-ground cooperation, making macro-regions stronger, more resilient, and more attractive places to live.

Watch the video below to learn more.

Source: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/cooperation/macro-regional-strategies_en

News:

• The Western Balkans Info Hub has been Selected Again as one of the Danube Flagship Projects 2024
• Consultation opened for future of Cohesion Policy and the EU Strategy for the Adriatic Ionian Region (EUSAIR)
• [Event Review] Western Balkans and the Danube Region: Highlights from the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) 13th Annual Forum
• Enhancing Macro-Regional Collaboration in the Western Balkans: Insights from the GreenFORCE Project
• 9th Annual EUSAIR Forum Conclusions of Pillar 3 Session
• Several Danube Region Programme Projects Honored with Danube Strategy Flagships Title
• Priorities of the Hellenic Presidency of the European Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR)
• Interreg Danube Region Programme Provides Support through the Seed Money Facility
• The Western Balkans R&I Information Hub has been selected as one of the Danube Flagship Projects 2022
• INTERREG Danube Region pre-announces its second call for proposals opening in October 2023

Events:

• RSA (Regional Studies Association) Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) Conference
• Joint Research Centre Science for Policy session “Smart Specialisation Collaboration Networks in the EU Enlargement Region”
• 9th Young Scholars Forum on Central and Southeastern Europe 2024 “Regions as Drivers of European Integration”
• Two-Day IT Event in Zenica to Boost Innovation in the Danube Region
• 23rd EUSAIR Governing Board Meeting
• The EUSAIR Hellenic Presidency Kick-off Conference in Corfu
• 3rd Danube Youth Camp
• Bled Strategic Forum: A World of Parallel Realities
• 11th International Danube Conference on Culture: Shaping Confidence by Culture
• Mediterranean Coast and Macro-Regional Strategies Week 2024
• The Danube Region at the turn of times – Economic Cooperation and Hydrogen Supply Chains along the Danube
• European Week of Regions and Cities 2024
• 9th Annual EUSAIR Forum
• 12th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region
• 25th Steering Group Meeting of Priority Area “Knowledge Society” of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region

Calls:

• Call for Applications for Multilateral Scientific and Technological Cooperation in the Danube Region 2025-2027
• Call for Cross-border Mobilities for Young Students from Universities of the Adriatic-Ionian Region
• Interreg IPA South Adriatic Launches €38 Million Standard Call for Project Proposals
• EU Launches €3 Million Call for Cross-Border Cooperation Projects in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro under EmBRACE Initiative
• INTERREG Euro-MED Call 5: Thematic Strategic Territorial Projects
• Rivers Revived Call for Associated Regions is now open
• Call for Associated Regions to participate in the DANUBE4all project

Documents:

• EUSDR Action Plan 2020
• Interview with Gilles Kittel, European Commission, DG REGIO, Team Leader – Instrument for Pre-Accession, Enlargement Negotiations and EUSAIR
• List of EUSDR targets
• EUSAIR Action Plan 2020
• EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) Facilitating the Enlargement Process of Western Balkans
• Strategy and Guidelines to bring the Green Deal to the Adriatic-Ionian Region
• Evaluation of the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region, 2022 (EUSAIR)
• A systemic approach to support the transition of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the circular economy (CE)
• EUSAIR Facility Point Project Achievements 2016 – 2023 Brochure
• 9th Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion (2024)

Institutions and Organisations:

• Danube Academies Conference
• Danube Rectors’ Conference
• Association of the Universities of the Adriatic and Ionian region (UNIADRION)
• The Forum of Adriatic and Ionian Cities (FAIC)
• The Forum of the Adriatic and Ionian Chambers of Commerce

Initiatives:

• EUSAIR bringing the Green Deal to the Region