The Mediterranean Coast and Macro-regional Strategies Week, with the theme "Stronger Collaboration for a Better Future," opened on September 19, 2023, in Izola, Slovenia. Notable attendees included the Slovenian Minister for Natural Resources and Spatial Planning, Mr. Uroš Brežan. This event, renowned for its best practices, has become a European tradition and is underscored in the latest European Commission report on macro-regional strategies.
The Municipality of Izola organized this event with support from various partners, including the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning, the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development, and the European Commission.
Mayor Milan Bogatič welcomed guests, emphasizing Izola's international presence and EU funding achievements, including the allocation of funds for renovating the Podestat Palace. He also highlighted future projects for the coastal area and the successful implementation of Barcelona Convention protocols.
Minister Uroš Brežan stressed the importance of preserving the sea for a secure future in the Adriatic-Ionian region. He called for comprehensive management from source to sea, moving away from gray infrastructure and advocating for climate action on a macro-regional level.
The Mediterranean Coast and Macro-regional Strategies Week promotes collaboration among the four European macro-regional strategies. Marko Koprivc from the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development highlighted the European added value of following these strategies and addressing regional challenges.
Dr. Sławomir Tokarski of the European Commission emphasized the role of macro-regional strategies in the EU's digital and green transition, linking regional and EU levels.
Mag. Anžej Frangeš, Acting Director-General for European Affairs, spoke of Slovenia's unique position participating in three EU macro-regional strategies and upcoming events.
The week included 14 diverse events on topics like the sea and circular economy, with over 300 participants from 20 European countries in attendance. It also featured an exhibition of marine organism photographs and the Blue School project, promoting biodiversity and sea knowledge in Slovenian Istria
More about the Programme for the Mediterranean Coast and Macro-regional Strategies Week 2023.
Read the full Press Release HERE!
