From April 7 to 9, 2025, the island of Corfu, Greece, hosted the 22nd session of the EUSAIR Thematic Steering Group for Pillar 3 – Environmental Quality, alongside the event Accelerating Climate Change Adaptation in the Adriatic-Ionian Region. The meeting took place under the leadership of the Greek EUSAIR Presidency and was chaired by Dr. Mitja Bricelj, co-coordinator for Pillar 3 from Slovenia’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning.

Participants included representatives from nine EUSAIR member states, the European Commission, the EUSAIR Facility Point Lead Partner, and members of the EUSAIR Youth Council. The discussions primarily revolved around a new flagship initiative targeting climate resilience and disaster risk management. The proposed project aims to integrate several environmental planning frameworks, including River Basin Management (RBM), Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP).

Another key item on the agenda was preparation for the 10th EUSAIR Forum, set to take place in Crete on May 6–7, 2025. At this upcoming forum, TSG 3 will host a dedicated session addressing the conservation and sustainable use of the Adriatic-Ionian marine ecosystem.

Participants also reviewed recent efforts in capacity-building, ongoing collaboration with UNEP/MAP in light of the 50th anniversary of the Barcelona Convention, and recent developments in projects funded under the initial IPA ADRION call. The group underscored the critical need to foster stronger intersectoral collaboration, particularly in the fields of climate change adaptation and marine protection.

The meeting concluded with the formal adoption of the 2024 Annual Progress Report and the updated Activity Plan for 2025. Members also engaged in a productive exchange on how to deepen collaboration with the EUSAIR Youth Council and continue advancing shared environmental objectives across the region.