Bosnia and Herzegovina finally obtained the EU candidate status. At present, the country faces a severe ‘brain drain’ issue affecting many aspects of life. These are some of the topics that will be discussed at the 8th Forum of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region, organised by Bosnia and Herzegovin, as well as the European Commission with the support of the EUSAIR Facility Point in Sarajevo on 23-25 May 2023.
Bosnia and Herzegovina formally took over the one-year Chairmanship of the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative (AII) and the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) in June 2022. The Chairmanship was previously held by Albania and will be passed on to Croatia in June 2023.
The Forum will also focus on the ‘greening’ of EUSAIR as an important contribution to the European Green Deal and Green Agenda for Western Balkans – thus contributing to the EU enlargement policy too. Different stakeholders of all ages will be engaged, with a special focus on youth involvement.
Bosnia and Herzegovina considers the speeding up of the European integration process as its top priority during the Chairmanship. In order to avoid the spread of enlargement fatigue, disbelief and loss of EU credibility within the region, the EU enlargement process must be revived.
The Forum will be organised in a hybrid manner, allowing both in-person and online participation.
