On 6 November 2025, a landmark moment took place during the 14th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR), held under the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. For the first time ever, and at the invitation of the EUSDR Presidency, the four Presidencies of the EU’s macro-regional strategies — EUSDR, EUSAIR, EUSALP, and EUSBSR — came together within the framework of the EUSDR Annual Forum.

A Joint Meeting of EUSDR and EUSAIR National Coordinators, titled “Enhancing EU Accession Support for Candidate Countries in EUSDR and EUSAIR,” marked a significant step toward deeper regional cooperation, progress in EU integration, and enhanced exchange of experience among European partners.

• Midhat Džemić, representing the Bosnian and Herzegovinian EUSDR Presidency, emphasized that “Macro-regional strategies serve as essential policy frameworks for the EU enlargement process, capable of driving tangible and practical initiatives at the regional level.”
• Zuica Zmejkovska, from the North Macedonian EUSAIR Presidency, stated: “This is the right moment to launch a joint initiative that will lead to real, concrete results benefiting the entire region. Today, we are laying the foundation for future cooperation.”
• Elvira Habota, Director of the Directorate for European Integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina, underlined the country’s strong commitment to regional collaboration: “Bosnia and Herzegovina places great value on regional cooperation and on the implementation of both the EUSDR and EUSAIR strategies, which play a crucial role in promoting integration, stability, and sustainable growth across the region.”

This pioneering joint session embodies a shared aspiration for a united, stable, and prosperous Europe — one built on partnership, solidarity, and shared responsibility. By strengthening institutional capacities and aligning regional priorities with EU standards, the initiative contributes to a more cohesive, resilient, and forward-looking European future.