The XX General Elective Assembly of the Adriatic Ionian Euroregion (AIE) was held online on 17 December 2025, marking a pivotal moment of renewal and strategic reflection on the future of inter-regional cooperation across the Adriatic Ionian basin.
During the Assembly, Mr. Aldrin Dalipi, President of the Tirana Regional Council, was unanimously elected President of the Euroregion for the new mandate starting on 1 January 2026. Mr. Dalipi succeeds Mr. Nikola Dobroslavic, who concluded a ten-year mandate characterised by strong institutional leadership, enhanced European visibility and significant achievements in territorial cooperation throughout the cooperation area.
The Assembly was opened and chaired by outgoing President Nikola Dobroslavic (Dubrovnik-Neretva County), with the support of Secretary General Francesco Cocco.
The meeting saw the participation of high-level political representatives, including Marco Zecchinato (Regional Minister, Veneto Region), Aimilia Moschou (Vice-Governor, Ionian Islands Region), Jessica Acquavita (Vice-President, Istria Region), Aldrin Dalipi (President, Tirana Regional Council), Evis Sema (President, Fier Regional Council), and Ervis Moçka (President, Vlore Regional Council).
Other Regions and local authorities — including the Abruzzo, Calabria, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Molise and Puglia Regions, the Regional Councils of Durrës, Lezhë and Shkodër, the County of Primorje and Gorski Kotar, the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, West Herzegovina Canton, Herzegbosnian County, and the Municipality of Kotor — were represented by high-level officials.
During the Assembly, Members reviewed and discussed the Association’s recent activities and achievements, defined strategic priorities for the coming years and launched preparations for the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Adriatic Ionian Euroregion in 2026. The Assembly also confirmed the new governance structure of the Association.
In his address, President-elect Dalipi expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to continuity, stronger cooperation among Members and increased engagement in key European priorities, including EU enlargement, Cohesion Policy, the EUSAIR Strategy and territorial cooperation programmes.
The handover of the AIE Presidency from Croatia, an EU Member State, to Albania, an EU candidate country, carries strong symbolic and political significance, reflecting the Euroregion’s firm commitment to the EU enlargement process and to strengthening cooperation with the Western Balkans.
The Secretary General highlighted the Association’s growing international role, with particular emphasis on its contribution to EU Cohesion Policy processes, territorial cooperation in the Euro-Mediterranean and Adriatic Ionian areas, and EU enlargement-related initiatives.
During the Assembly, Members unanimously approved the 2025 Activity Report, the Report on the activities and organisation of the General Secretariat, as well as the 2024 Financial Report and Balance Sheet, confirming the sound governance and financial stability of the Association.
With renewed leadership and a shared strategic vision, the Adriatic Ionian Euroregion looks ahead with confidence, continuing to serve as a platform for dialogue, cooperation and sustainable development across the Adriatic Ionian area.
Agenda: Agenda_20th Assembly AIE
