The South Adriatic area, spanning Puglia, Molise, Albania, and Montenegro, faces increasing challenges related to outdated infrastructure, fragmented transport systems, and the need for sustainable, cross-border mobility solutions. Despite being part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), many regions still struggle to ensure efficient and green connectivity across the Southern Adriatic corridor.

To address this issue, the CONNECTIVITY project—funded by the European Union through the Interreg IPA South Adriatic Programme 2021–2027—is bringing together institutions from Italy, Albania, and Montenegro to establish a secure, efficient, and resilient transport governance model. With a total investment of nearly €6 million, the project promotes modern infrastructure and digital solutions to foster green, smart, and integrated mobility.

CONNECTIVITY is structured around pilot projects and strategic interventions that reflect the local priorities of the partner regions

Italy (Apulia and Molise):

• Technical and economic feasibility study for upgrading the SS16 coastal road (Mola di Bari–Fasano) with dynamic lanes.
• Port of Termoli: Improvements for safety and functionality.

Montenegro

• Port of Bar: Construction of a new parking area and a waste collection station to support environmental sustainability and logistics efficiency.
• Implementation of border security upgrades and connectivity infrastructure at the port as part of the TEN-T network.

Albania:

• Port of Durres: Introduction of a modern Terminal Operating System (TOS) to digitize cargo handling and improve port efficiency.

CONNECTIVITY aims to deliver sustainable and climate-resilient mobility solutions, enhance the interoperability of transport systems, and align partner countries’ infrastructure development with EU standards and policies. The expected outcome is a more accessible, connected, and environmentally responsible South Adriatic region, fully integrated into the broader European transport network.

The project brings together a strong cross-border partnership of public authorities and port institutions, including:

• Puglia Region – Mobility Infrastructure Section (Lead Partner)
• ASSET – Regional Strategic Agency for Sustainable Territorial Development (Italy
• Southern Adriatic Sea Port Authority (Italy)
• Molise Region (Italy)
• Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy (Albania)
• Durres Port Authority (Albania)
• Ministry of Maritime Affairs (Montenegro)
• Port of Bar JSC (Montenegro)

This broad and complementary partnership ensures that the project leverages local expertise, shares best practices, and maximizes impact across all participating regions.