8th EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region Forum in Sarajevo, an opportunity for business meetings

(Patria) - The 8th EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR) Forum and the annual meeting of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative (AII) Council at the level of foreign ministers began today in Sarajevo.

Numerous officials and other guests, including regional foreign ministers, attended the opening ceremony.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, particularly emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in his address.

"Only through joint efforts can we be more successful in eliminating all negative effects. We are convinced that these steps make a big difference, and precisely here today, we expect an exchange of ideas and opinions among the delegations. The European integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union should be equally important for the EU as it is for us," said Konaković.

The Director of the Directorate for European Integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Edin Dilberović, stated that challenges and difficulties need to be resolved with a joint approach.

"Integration into the EU should be in line with European regulations. The process of Europeanization is linked to meeting the conditions for EU membership. The European Union is built on the foundations of concrete successes," said Dilberović.

During the forum, B2B meetings will be organized with the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises, research institutions, universities, development organizations, associations, and other organizations from the nine EUSAIR countries (Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Greece, and Albania).

The EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR) Forum lasts until May 25.