The IPA ADRION Programme promotes cooperation among the countries of the Adriatic-Ionian region. Albanian beneficiaries have secured 7,403,224 euros for 60 projects in the first call. Additionally, two strategic projects under Priority Axis 4 —STEP and Facility Point—are being implemented with Albanian participation. The total budget for these two projects is 852,100 euros (443,000 euros for STEP and 409,100 euros for Facility Point), out of which 85% are Interreg funds.
EUSAIR Facility Point – Supporting the EUSAIR governance for improved cooperation
EUSAIR Facility Point facilitates the coordination, communication, and implementation of EUSAIR by enhancing the institutional capacity of EUSAIR governance structures, fostering cross-pillar cooperation, increasing EUSAIR’s visibility, and monitoring and evaluating progress in implementing joint priorities.
EUSAIR is a collaborative framework that brings together countries and stakeholders across the Adriatic and Ionian Region to address common challenges and seize shared opportunities. By focusing on five thematic Pillars—Blue Sustainable Economy, Connecting the Region, Environmental Quality, Sustainable Tourism, and Improved Social Cohesion Pillar —EUSAIR aims to foster economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social prosperity.
Project Budget in euros: 7.872.900,00
Interreg funding in euros: 6.336.750,00
EUSAIR Facility Point Project duration: (04.09.2023-31.12.2027)
Lead Partner:
Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development (SI)
Project Partners:
State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination SASPAC (AL), Directorate for European Integration of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BA), Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Croatia (HR), Ministry of Economy and Finance (EL), Friuli Venezia Giulia Autonomous Region (IT), Ministry of European Affairs (ME), Ministry of European Affairs (MK), Ministry of European Integration of the Republic of Serbia (RS), Municipality of Izola (SI), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of San Marino Department of Foreign Affairs (SM).
The EUSAIR Facility Point Project, funded by the Interreg VI-B IPA ADRION Programme, provides strategic, technical, and administrative support to the governance and implementation of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR). By assisting participating countries, thematic steering groups, and governance bodies, the project strengthens coordination and fosters stakeholder engagement. It enhances EUSAIR’s visibility, thereby contributing to cohesion, sustainable development, and integration across the Adriatic-Ionian Region.
Main activities of the EUSAIR Facility Point Project:
- Governance Support – Aid EUSAIR bodies in planning, coordination, and decision-making.
- Strategic Guidance – Help implement the Action Plan and align with EU policies.
- Capacity Building – Provide training and tools for national and regional actors.
- Communication & Visibility – Promote EUSAIR and share results via events and publications.
- Monitoring & Reporting – Track progress and ensure transparency.
These activities ensure that EUSAIR functions as an effective platform for cooperation and integration in the Adriatic–Ionian Region.
Albania plays a strategic role in the EUSAIR Facility Point Project as both a Project Partner and an active member of the EUSAIR governance structures. Through its national institutions, Albania contributes to the coordination and implementation of the Strategy, with a particular responsibility as co-leader of Pillar 4 on Sustainable Tourism alongside Croatia. Within the project, Albania supports governance activities, capacity building, and stakeholder involvement, while ensuring that national priorities align with the EUSAIR Action Plan. By actively engaging civil society, academia, business, and local authorities, Albania promotes inclusive participation in the Strategy’s implementation and strengthens its contribution to regional cooperation, sustainable development, and EU integration.
The Albania-specific deliverables within the EUSAIR Facility Point Project:
- Leadership Deliverables (Pillar 4: Sustainable Tourism)
- Policy guidelines, strategic papers, and recommendations on sustainable tourism were co-developed with Croatia.
- Thematic Steering Group (TSG4) meeting reports and action plans coordinated by Albania.
- Contributions to flagship projects in tourism and cultural heritage in the Adriatic-Ionian region.
- National & Stakeholder Engagement Deliverables
- National events, consultations, and workshops help engage local authorities, academia, businesses, and civil society in EUSAIR activities.
- Reports summarizing Albanian stakeholders’ inputs and aligning them with the EUSAIR Action Plan.
- Contributions to capacity building materials reflecting Albanian priorities and experiences, and actively participate in the implementation of capacity building actions.
- Communication & Visibility Deliverables
- Hosting and co-organizing EUSAIR events in Albania (e.g., thematic meetings, stakeholder conferences).
- Dissemination materials in the Albanian language to ensure accessibility for local stakeholders.
- Promotion of EUSAIR achievements through Albanian media and institutional channels.
- EU Integration & Policy Alignment Deliverables
- Country inputs to EUSAIR monitoring reports and policy recommendations.
- Documentation on the alignment of Albanian national policies with EUSAIR priorities and EU cohesion policies.
- Contributions to cross-pillar analyses from an Albanian perspective (especially linking tourism with environment, connectivity and growth).
These deliverables ensure that EUSAIR has the necessary tools, visibility, and expertise to function as a coordinated macro-regional strategy, while keeping all participating countries (including Albania) actively engaged.
For more information, please visit:
www.interreg-ipa-adrion.eu