A new phase of cross-border cooperation and development in the South Adriatic region kicked off on 13 September in Bari at Fiera del Levante. During the event, a symbolic ceremony took place as the 2014-20 Interreg IPA CBC Italy-Albania-Montenegro handed over to the 2021-27 Interreg IPA South Adriatic Programme, opening the door to fresh challenges and opportunities for all participating territories.
The event consisted of three key segments:
- Welcoming and Institutional Remarks:
Crescenzo Antonio Marino, Programme Managing Authority, Alessandro Delli Noci, Puglia Region Minister for Economic Development, Gilles Kittel, DE Regio, European Commission, Antonio Verrico, Presidency of the Council of Ministers IT, Ilir Beqaj, State Agency of Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination AL, Bojan Vujović, Ministry of European Affairs ME, Gianna Elisa Berlingerio, Puglia Region Department for Economic Development.
- Celebration of the 2014-2020 Programme results:
This segment featured the presentation of the projects catalogue and a slideshow showcasing the projects funded during the 2014-20 period. It highlighted their key achievements and the wide range of cooperative activities that can be capitalised on in the 2021-2027 period.
- Round table discussion on the 2021-27 South Adriatic Strategic Projects:
A presentation of the five recently approved Strategic Projects financed by the new Programme - SA Creativity, SA Resilience, SA Connectivity, SA Skills, SA Governance - and discussion with representatives from the three countries and Project Lead Partners.
The closing remarks provided insights into the future, including details about the upcoming Call for Standard Projects, expected in December 2023.
To gain a deeper understanding of the projects funded during the 2014-2020 period and the remarkable cooperative efforts that have brought together regions, cultures, and people, please explore the Project Catalogue and watch the Slideshow for an overview of all projects.