“The biggest problem Europe is facing today is the sharp rise in inequalities within and between states; inequalities that undermine both the economy and democracy.” Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Katrougalos stressed this in his address to the 3rd Forum of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region, which is taking place in Catania.“In contrast,” Mr. Katrougalos added, “these EU initiatives for the countries of the Adriatic and Ionian Region, which link EU member states with countries that are candidates or potential candidates for accession, enhance the region’s political and economic stability. We need regional strategies that will contribute to just development that benefits all of the European Union’s citizens. No citizen should be left behind and driven to poverty or unemployment.” “Greece,” Mr. Katrougalos highlighted, “promotes similar policies in the wider Balkan region, strengthening cooperation in the sectors of energy, transport and trade.”Issues of maritime and onshore cross-border cooperation during the period 2021-2027, the migration- and refugee-related challenges for the countries in the region, and the potential for further cooperation were discussed at the Forum.Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia are the countries participating in the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region. For the first time, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was welcomed as an observer,in an effort towards confidence-building measures between the states of the region. FYROM submitted an application to become the ninth country participating in this EU Strategy.
 |
| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.mfa.gr |
