the macro-regional approach
In order to strengthen regional cooperation and find joint solutions to those cross-border challenges that cannot be tackled by states alone, the Macro-Regional Strategies (MRS) were launched as an integrated cooperation framework.
The MRS ensure better coordination of policies and bring together key stakeholders from different levels to better respond to current challenges and promote economic, social and territorial cohesion in large geographical areas.
Through enhanced cooperation, exchange of experience and transfer of knowledge, the MRS facilitate a synergistic and coordinated strategic approach to sustainable development of EU and non-EU countries.
EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR)
The aim of the EUSAIR is to promote economic and social prosperity and growth in the region. The participating states aim to create synergies and improve coordination between all areas in the region, especially in the fields of sustainable tourism, environmental quality, blue growth and connectivity.
The strategy includes ten states (four EU Member States Croatia, Greece, Italy and Slovenia and six non-EU countries Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, San Marino and Serbia).
EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP)
The EUSALP aims to strengthen cooperation between regions and countries in the Alps. The strategy focuses on the priorities of economic growth and innovation, mobility and connectivity, and environment and energy.
The strategy covers seven countries with more than 80 million inhabitants in the Alpine Space. Of these, five are EU Member States (Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Slovenia) and two are non-EU countries (Liechtenstein and Switzerland).
EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR)
The EUSBSR is divided into three main objectives: saving the sea, connectivity in the region and increasing prosperity. The priorities of the strategy are innovative societies, water-smart societies and climate-neutral societies.
The eight EU member states involved in the EUSBSR are Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. The Strategy is also welcoming cooperation with EU neighbouring countries (Iceland and Norway).
EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR)
The EUSDR addresses the common challenges of the Danube countries and promotes economic, social and territorial cooperation. It creates synergies and facilitates cooperation and networking to use available resources more efficiently.
The EUSDR covers 115 million people in nine EU Member States (Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia) and five non-EU countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia and Ukraine) and stretches from the Black Forest to the Black Sea.
