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#EUSAIR2025
Septembre, 2025 | North Macedonia

10 Years of EUSAIR Achievements

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Our Mission

Marking 10 years of collaboration and growth across the Adriatic and Ionian region, this celebration will honor achievements and outline future opportunities for sustainable development.

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Key Participants

Featuring representatives from the European Commission, North Macedonia’s presidency, and regional leaders driving European integration.

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Programme Highlights

From working groups to celebratory concerts, join us for a day filled with impactful discussions and cultural exchanges.

Context

Innovate regionally, Impact globally

In 2024, the Commission will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of The EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR). Since its creation in 2014, the strategy helped to make everyday life easier for people and businesses, fuelling jobs and growth across the Adriatic and Ionian region.

10 Years of Impact

In the pursuit of sustainable regional growth, it is crucial to understand the scale and impact of various socio-economic challenges across Europe. Today, regions face distinct obstacles—from economic inequality to digital divides—which require collaborative, innovative approaches to create more inclusive communities. For example, around 5% of EU citizens are impacted by limited digital access, which hampers their ability to participate fully in the digital economy. Such disparities highlight the need for events like the European Regional Innovation Day to foster solutions that address these critical gaps, driving forward an agenda of resilience and inclusiveness.

Budget

The maximum budget for this simulation is
1000

The provisional budget for unforeseen expenses is limited to 10% of the price to be paid for all tasks executed.

stakeholders from across Europe
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increase in regional collaboration, and countless lives improved across borders.
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Merchandising Eurid

Think you're an expert on the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR)?
Prove it!

The winners will receive a set of regional innovation-themed merchandise, including a notebook, tote bag, and special edition event pen. (Limited to 50 winners)

132 players took the quizz

Take the quiz, win exclusive regional innovation merchandise!

European regional innovation Quiz

Welcome to the European Regional Innovation Quiz! Test your knowledge on regional development, sustainability, and digital transformation in Europe. This quiz is designed for attendees of the European Regional Innovation Day 2024 who want to challenge themselves and learn more about the key topics discussed during the event. See how much you know about Europe’s innovative regions and their efforts towards a greener, more connected future!

Start

Objective

Building bridges for regional innovation and policy development

The Commission, in cooperation with the North Macedonia presidency of the strategy, wishes to organise a one-day celebration closing event to close the celebrations. Ahead of this one-day event, ideas from stakeholders on how to shape and feed the celebration calendar shall be collected. The aim of the upcoming activities will be to celebrate the achievements reached and the contribution the enlargement process has made towards European integration. At the same time, given the current challenging situation, it is also crucial to look ahead and identify further growth potential and ways of rendering the strategy ever more resilient.

Objectives
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One-Day Closing Celebration Event

The Commission, in collaboration with the North Macedonia presidency, plans to host a one-day event to conclude the celebrations of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region.

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Input from Stakeholders

Ahead of the event, stakeholders will be invited to share their ideas to shape and enrich the celebration calendar.

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Focus on Achievements and Future Growth

The event aims to honor the achievements of the past decade, highlight the role of the enlargement process in European integration, and explore new opportunities for growth and resilience in light of current challenges.

Focal points for regional growth and transformation

Strategic Achievements and Vision

The European Regional Innovation Day 2024 will center around three key topics crucial for the advancement of regional economies. These topics have been selected to help participants explore actionable solutions to pressing challenges in sustainability, technology, and community development.

Key topics
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Regional cooperation fostering economic growth.

Innovative projects in renewable energy, sustainable transport, and urban infrastructure.

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Enhancing sustainable practices for resilient communities.

Adopting smart technology for governance, digital inclusion, and improving quality of life in regional communities.

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Green transition

Strategies for achieving regional sustainability goals, focusing on reducing carbon footprints and protecting biodiversity.

Registration Participation is free.

Participation is free,
and interpretation will be provided in 4 languages (EN, FR, DE, local).

Register for the event

Organize your day

Event Agenda

Morning Session

10:00

Welcome buffet breakfast

10:45 - 13:00

Panel Opening Ceremony
recap of main celebrations between June 2024 and June 2025

13:00

Buffet lunch

Break

Afternoon Session

14:00 - 16:00

Working Groups:
discussion about the main take aways

16:00 - 16:30

Buffet coffee break

16:30 - 18:00

Closing of the event and the one-year celebrations

18:00 - 21:00

Closing cocktail and concert
Comprehensive Event Coordination Services

Delivering Excellence in Pre-Event Planning and On-Site Management

The contractor, in close cooperation with the Commission (headquarters and North Macedonia EUD concerned), is requested to provide the following services

Pre-event promotion
Organisation of the online working groups
Assess venue needs and manage equipment
technical equipment, light and sound, internet connection, TV screens, catering, decoration and branding etc.
Organise a preparatory visit on site with the ordering service
Management of participants
on-line registration, reception on-site, badging.
Ensure relevant security services for non-VIP participants
Assistance with travel arrangements of speakers including booking the tickets, accommodation
Suggest and contract a professional moderator for the event, as well as other relevant staff
Assistance in ensuring media presence, or other multipliers
Provision of technical equipment (Virtual Event, end-to-end event & communication platforms for virtual and hybrid events, web streaming)
Support with social media activities
Catering
welcome coffee, buffet lunch and closing cocktail.
Provide
• interpretation facilities according to the Commission Interpretation requirements in collaboration with the MK services;
• continuous assistance throughout the event;
• creative solution that would enhance visibility of the Forum within the public (decoration of the centre of Skopje, Skopje International Airport, etc.);
• photo/video coverage and live web streaming for the whole event in up to 4 interpreted languages (3 EU official languages and local language).
Evaluation and feedback on the event

Tenderers will also have to demonstrate their creativity and flexibility in

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Understanding the specificities and needs of the event/location and adjusting the provided services.

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Proposing two possible unexpected situations per event that could take place during the preparation phase or the event itself.

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Explaining what approach they would implement in order to best solve these problems.

Meet the visionaries leading Europe's regional transformation

Inspiring Leaders Shaping Regional Innovation

 A lineup of distinguished speakers representing the EU, regional authorities, and innovation sectors will share insights and future visions.

Dr. Charlotte Verbeek
Head of Regional Policy Strategy, DG REGIO. Dr. Verbeek leads the strategic team for regional policy within DG REGIO, focusing on
innovation-driven regional growth and green initiatives.
Sophie Laurent
Green Transition Coordinator, Wallonia Regional Council. Sophie has a wealth of experience in renewable energy and sustainability projects, aiming to make Wallonia a leader in ecological transition.
Anouk Janssen
Director of Community Development, DG REGIO. Anouk leads efforts on community engagement and citizen-focused approaches in regional development policy and strategic planning.
Tom Vandermolen
Senior Economic Advisor, Brussels Economy and Employment. Tom is responsible for fostering economic development projects in Brussels, with a particular emphasis on entrepreneurship and digital transformation.
Maria De Wilde
Digital Transformation Lead, Flemish Region Development Authority. Maria specializes in implementing smart city technologies and fostering digital inclusion across the Flemish region.
Jean-Paul Maes
Policy Advisor on Social Innovation, Brussels Economy and Employment. Jean-Paul works on integrating social inclusion policies within the regional economic framework, especially focusing on marginalized communities.
Find the event easily

Directions

Sustainable ways to reach and explore Brussels

Environmentally friendly travel

For participants traveling from other European countries, consider these top eco-friendly travel options to reach Brussels:

Train Travel: Europe boasts an extensive and efficient rail network, making it an excellent alternative to flying. High-speed trains such as Thalys and Eurostar offer direct connections to Brussels from major cities like Paris, London, and Amsterdam. Additional options like TGV and ICE cover many European hubs, providing a comfortable and scenic travel experience that significantly reduces your carbon footprint.

Long-Distance Buses: Services like FlixBus and Eurolines connect major European cities to Brussels. Although bus travel takes longer than flying, it remains a highly economical and environmentally friendly option. These companies offer regular routes with comfortable amenities and strategic stops to ensure a pleasant journey while greatly reducing carbon emissions compared to air travel.

Carpooling: Carpooling is another sustainable travel choice, facilitated by platforms like BlaBlaCar. By sharing a ride with other participants or travelers heading to Brussels, you can lower carbon emissions and cut down on travel costs. This approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also provides an opportunity to meet fellow travelers and share experiences along the way.

These descriptions highlight each company’s contribution to sustainable travel, allowing you to integrate their logos and relevant information seamlessly on your site.

Brussels offers a variety of eco-friendly transportation options to help you navigate the city sustainably.

Bike and Scooter Sharing: The city provides several shared mobility services:

Villo!: A public bike-sharing system with numerous stations across Brussels, allowing you to pick up and drop off bikes conveniently.

Billy Bike: Offers electric bikes that can be located and unlocked via a smartphone app, providing flexibility for your travels.

Dott: Provides both electric bikes and scooters, accessible through their app, facilitating quick and eco-friendly trips.

TIER : Offers electric scooters available throughout the city, easily rentable via their mobile application.

Electric Car Sharing: For greater flexibility, consider these electric car-sharing services:

Cambio: Provides a range of vehicles, including electric options, with stations located throughout Brussels.

Poppy: Offers electric cars and scooters, allowing you to pick up and drop off vehicles within designated zones.

GO Sharing: Operates a fleet of electric scooters, providing a sustainable option for short trips in the city.

To facilitate your travel within and around Brussels, two main transport companies provide reliable services: STIB-MIVB and De Lijn.

STIB-MIVB: This company manages the metro, tram, and bus services throughout Brussels. With a single pass or ticket, you can access all three modes of transport seamlessly. Tickets can be purchased for single journeys (valid for one hour) or as multi-day passes, offering flexibility based on your needs. STIB-MIVB’s extensive network ensures easy navigation and quick access to key areas within the city.

De Lijn: If you plan to explore areas beyond Brussels, De Lijn offers bus services that connect the city to surrounding towns and regions. This network is ideal for participants who wish to travel outside Brussels to explore more of Belgium. Tickets and passes can be purchased online or at designated points, making it easy to plan your extended travels.

Plan your journey

Accommodation and dining in Brussels

Hotels

Nearby: Marivaux Hotel

Explore nearby hotels around Brussels Central, offering a variety of accommodation options that cater to all needs.

Restaurants

In Brussels

After all, you are in Brussels, a European capital known for its culinary delights! Don't miss the chance to experience famous Belgian dishes and international cuisine.
Livebroacasting

Follow us on YouTube and watch EURID live

Be the first to know when the live broadcast of the European Regional Innovation Day goes live! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get notified of the upcoming live stream and stay updated on key moments from the event. You can also subscribe to our newsletter for real-time updates and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Everything you need to know about registration, accessibility, and event logistics. For further assistance, our team is here to help.

Yes, the European Regional Innovation Day 2024 will include multiple interactive sessions. Participants can join live Q&A panels, participate in polls, and use networking features to connect with other attendees.

The European Regional Innovation Day 2025 is an event hosted by DG REGIO, focusing on fostering collaboration among regional authorities, businesses, policymakers, and academic institutions to explore solutions to regional challenges, with an emphasis on sustainability, digital transformation, and community development.

If you require a visa to attend the European Regional Innovation Day 2024, we are here to assist you. We can provide links to government websites that outline the visa application process and requirements. Additionally, we can coordinate and provide an official invitation letter to support your visa application if needed. Please note that the cost of the visa is borne by the participant, unless otherwise agreed upon with the Contracting Authority (CA). For further assistance, feel free to contact our support team.

Participation is free, but requires registration. You can register by filling out the registration form available on our website.

The event will be conducted in multiple languages, including English, French, and German. Translation services will also be provided to ensure accessibility for all participants.

Yes, the event will be held in a hybrid format. You can join in person in Brussels or participate online via live-streamed sessions.

The event will cover topics such as sustainable urban development, digital transformation, green transition strategies, and funding opportunities for regional innovation.

Yes, there are multiple networking opportunities planned, including designated networking sessions during lunch and coffee breaks, where participants can connect and collaborate with stakeholders from different regions.

Need Assistance?
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