Deputy Foreign Minister Dimitris Kourkoulas took part in the Launch Conference of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) on Tuesday, which was co-organized by the European Commission and the Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The drawing up of the Strategy in question, the third of its kind within the EU framework, and the creation of the Adriatic-Ionian macroregion was decided upon at the December 2012 European Council, with the aim of promoting economic and social cooperation amongst EU member states and third countries in the region. The Hellenic Presidency promoted the creation of the macroregion and hosted the February 2014 Ministerial Conference in Athens.

Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Commissioner Karmena Vella said that local regions, port authorities, marinas, nautical industries and local communities should get together and discuss new opportunities in order to:

– create the necessary transport links;
– increase off-season arrivals by offering cultural, religious or culinary routes;
– include hinterland destinations, so that those economies can also benefit from the intense influx of tourists;
– set up a network of well-serviced marinas;
– and advertise the region and improve its image, not only through individual marketing but also through common and joint branding.