Athens, 6 May 2025 (MIA) – This is a historic moment for North Macedonia. For the first time since joining both the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) and the Adriatic – Ionian Initiative (AII), we are assuming the presidency. This transition, which comes five years after joining the Strategy and seven years after entering the Initiative, represents a natural and deserved step forward on a journey built by partnership and steadfast commitment, Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani said Tuesday at the handover ceremony of the EUSAIR presidency.

During the 10th Forum of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR), taking place in Crete under the Greek presidency, North Macedonia took over the EUSAIR presidency from Greece, with the Minister Murtezani highlighting regional connectivity as one of the presidency's key priorities, MIA’s Athens correspondent reported.

“We take on this role fully aware of the responsibility we are assuming and with a clear commitment to lead in an inclusive manner. Within our coordination with Pillar 2 - Connecting the Region, we will focus not only on building infrastructure but also on building trust. For us, connectivity is not limited to transport or technology, it is about bridging ambition with opportunity,” Murtezani said.

He also referred to Greece, stating that it is “widely recognized not only as the cradle of democracy but also as a steadfast supporter of the region’s European path” and recalled the Thessaloniki Agenda from 2003, saying the journey since then has had its challenges, but the vision continues to guide the region.

“The Western Balkans is a region where the European dream remains deeply rooted in the heart. For us, integration is not merely a chapter of foreign policy, it is the story of a generation. Strategies like EUSAIR are not just secondary mechanisms, but vital bridges leading toward the achievement of that goal. This handover is not just a ceremony; it is a continuation of joint efforts, shared values, and a common future. We thank our Greek friends for their role in shaping the direction we are now following, and we invite all of you to walk together with us in the year ahead, with trust, with ambition, and with unity,” Murtezani said during the ceremony.

He also expressed gratitude to the Greek presidency “for its dedicated leadership over the past year, with a focus on enlargement, social cohesion, environmental resilience, and innovation in the blue economy,” and noted that “the presidency provided clear direction and ensured continuity of the Strategy.”

“Greece’s leadership reaffirmed the significance of macro-regional cooperation, aligning both policies and shared priorities,” Murtezani said.

North Macedonia is set to take over the presidency of EUSAIR and the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative on June 1, 2025, for a one-year term.

Photo: Ministry of European Affairs