Forum AIC

🌿 Forum AIC joins the MEDDIET Flagship Initiative Working Group

On 11 June, Forum AIC participated in the online technical session of the MEDDIET Flagship Initiative Working Group within the EU Strategy for the Adriatic - Ionian Region framework, bringing together stakeholders from across the Adriatic-Ionian region to advance this key cross-pillar initiative.

Launched in September 2025, the MEDDIET Flagship aims to turn the Mediterranean Diet into a driver of sustainable economic development, strengthening rural resilience and boosting tourism competitiveness across the region.

The Working Group, structured across Pillars 4 and 5, is currently shaping the 2026–2027 Operational Roadmap. Discussions focused on the Mediterranean Diet as a tool for place-based tourism, its links with food culture, biodiversity and territorial identity, as well as the importance of governance models and short value chains to ensure authenticity and avoid commodification.

Two thematic studies were also presented, addressing sustainable tourism development and skills gaps in the tourism labour market, highlighting the need to better align education and training with evolving market needs in support of greener, more digital and experience-based tourism.

The session further explored EU policy developments on the post-2027 programming framework, with emphasis on results-based funding, place-based approaches, and stronger integration across EU programmes.

Forum AIC’s participation builds on the commitments of the Joint Declaration of the Three Fora on the Preservation and Promotion of the Mediterranean Diet in the Adriatic-Ionian Region (Split, 14 May 2024) and reinforces its ongoing engagement in promoting sustainable tourism, skills development, and cultural heritage across the Adriatic-Ionian region.

🌊 Promoting dialogue on the future of maritime tourism in the Adriatic!

📍 Venice, Italy
📅 25–26 June 2026

On 26 June 2026, the President of the Forum of the Adriatic and Ionian Chambers of Commerce (Forum AIC), Joze Tomaš, will participate as a speaker at the Adriatic Sea Forum 2026 in Venice.

During the panel discussion “The Value of Maritime Tourism for Adriatic Countries”, President Tomaš will share his views on the importance of maritime tourism as a key driver of economic development, regional cooperation, and sustainable growth throughout the Adriatic region.

Bringing together institutions, businesses, and industry experts, the Adriatic Sea Forum provides an important platform to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the maritime tourism sector and to strengthen collaboration among Adriatic stakeholders.

Forum AIC is proud to contribute to this dialogue and to support initiatives that promote stronger connections and a shared vision for the future of the Adriatic.

🤝 Cooperation, sustainability, and innovation remain at the heart of our commitment to the region.

*Please note that the correct title of President Jose Tomas in the graphics below is:
Jose Tomas, President – Croatian Chamber of Economy, Split County Chamber, and Forum AIC.

Forum AIC is pleased to share this valuable opportunity for young professionals interested in international cooperation, innovation, and economic diplomacy.

This free training programme will equip 40 young talents with the skills needed to strengthen economic relations between Italy and the Western Balkans, combining the legacy of the Olivetti model with the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

We encourage interested candidates to apply and become part of a new generation of leaders fostering dialogue, sustainable development, and cross-border collaboration.

👉 Applications are now open: https://istao.it/management-dimpresa-diplomazia-economica-e-promozione-integrata-dal-modello-olivetti-alla-sfida-digitale/

Management d'impresa: diplomazia economica e promozione integrata. Dal modello Olivetti alla sfida digitale - ISTAO di Maggio 25, 202629 Maggio 202634 BANDO DOMANDA DI AMMISSIONE OBIETTIVI L’iniziativa mira alla formazione di una nuova classe dirigente ispirata al modello di Adriano Olivetti e al “Capitalismo Umanistico”. Attraverso un percorso di alta formazione volto a integrare profitto, etica e innovazi...

📍 Skopje, North Macedonia 🇲🇰

Forum AIC participated in the 4th in-person meeting of the GPP2Adrion project and in the thematic session hosted within the EUSAIR Annual Forum 2026: “Green Public Procurement Driving Circular Economy in the Adriatic–Ionian Region”, held on 19 May.

Over two days of discussion and exchange, project partners, institutional representatives, and regional stakeholders reflected on the progress achieved so far and on the next steps towards strengthening Green Public Procurement practices across the ADRION region.

An important milestone discussed during the meeting was the successful completion of the Capacity-Building Programme, which led to the training of 39 GPP Ambassadors across the Adriatic-Ionian area.

Building on this achievement, Forum AIC is actively supporting the transition towards a new phase focused on transnational cooperation and long-term connectivity through the future Transnational GPP Network, aimed at strengthening collaboration and knowledge exchange among institutions and practitioners across the region.

The thematic session at the EUSAIR Annual Forum also provided an important opportunity to connect project experiences with broader macro-regional priorities related to circular economy, sustainable procurement, and policy implementation.

As a transnational network of Chambers of Commerce within the EUSAIR framework, Forum AIC remains committed to fostering cooperation, promoting sustainable transition, and supporting the dissemination of good practices across the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region.

Find out more on our website: https://www.forumaic.org/forum-aic-partecipa-allincontro-di-progetto-per-gpp2adrion-e-evento-collaterale-delleusair-annual-forum/

🌍 The President of the Forum of the Adriatic and Ionian Chambers of Commerce, Joze Tomas, took part today in the Opening Session of the 11th EUSAIR Forum 2026 in Skopje, bringing the contribution of Forum AIC to the macro-regional dialogue on the future of the Adriatic-Ionian Region.

In his speech, President Tomas highlighted how, in a time of major geopolitical, economic and social transformations, macro-regional cooperation represents a key instrument to turn political commitments into concrete results for territories, businesses and citizens.

Particular attention was dedicated to:
♻️ the role of Green Public Procurement and circular economy initiatives in accelerating the green transition across the macro-region; GPP2Adrion
📊 the DO-AIR Observatory project, developed together with the Marche Region and Marche Polytechnic University, as a permanent tool for evidence-based regional cooperation;
🌿 the promotion of the Mediterranean Diet as a driver of sustainability, tourism and territorial development;
👩‍💼 support for women’s entrepreneurship, youth mobility and stronger cooperation between businesses, universities and institutions.

Forum AIC also welcomed the growing political support for the EU Strategy for the Adriatic - Ionian Region Strategy and looks forward to the upcoming Italian Presidency of the Strategy, which will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Forum of the Adriatic and Ionian Chambers of Commerce.

He also expressed his appreciation to the European Parliament Members for its growing interest and support towards initiatives aimed at strengthening the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region and advancing cooperation within the EUSAIR framework.

🤝 Continuity, trust and cooperation remain essential to building a more competitive, resilient and sustainable Adriatic-Ionian Region.

🌊 Today is the last day to register to join the session online!

This is a key opportunity to explore how Green Public Procurement can move from policy ambition to practical implementation across the Adriatic–Ionian Region.

Don’t miss out and register here: https://forms.gle/2sifsaZXbAiVtKq66

🌍 The Forum AIC continues to strengthen cooperation across the Mediterranean!

From 5–8 May 2026, the President of the Forum of the Adriatic and Ionian Chambers of Commerce, Joze Tomaš, participated in the TEBD II Study Visit in Mersin, Türkiye, dedicated to ports, logistics, and sustainable tourism.

The initiative, organised by Eurochambres within the Türkiye–EU Business Dialogue II project, provided a valuable opportunity to exchange best practices, establish new business contacts, and strengthen cooperation between EU and Turkish chambers.

Participants visited strategic infrastructures and innovative businesses, with special focus on the Port of Mersin, one of the major logistics hubs in the Eastern Mediterranean and a potential gateway for stronger connections with the Adriatic-Ionian region.

🤝 A great opportunity to foster dialogue, innovation, and new partnerships across the Mediterranean!

🌊 Tomorrow is the last day to register in presence for the EUSAIR Annual Forum 2026!

If you would like to attend our thematic session “Green Public Procurement Driving Circular Economy in the Adriatic–Ionian Region” in Skopje, make sure to complete your registration in time.

📅 19 May 2026 | 14:00–15:30 CEST
📍 Holiday Inn Hotel, Skopje, North Macedonia

For onsite participation, register via the EUSAIR platform:
https://www.adriatic-ionian.eu/event/save-the-date-11th-forum-of-the-eu-strategy-for-the-adriatic-and-ionian-region-eusair-18-20-may-2026-skopje-north-macedonia-accelerating-eusair-from-commitment-to-impact/registrations/

💻 Those who want to participate online can still register through the follwing link: https://forms.gle/6HczjpMU6ZTAwnbZ8

Don’t miss this opportunity!

📢 Forum AIC at EUSAIR Forum 2026 - join our thematic session in Skopje!

On Tuesday 19 May, Forum AIC - together with the Università degli Studi di Padova and the Business Innovation Centre (BIC) - organises a dedicated thematic session at the 11th EUSAIR Annual Forum, as part of the GPP2Adrion project (Interreg IPA ADRION).

The session "Green Public Procurement Driving Circular Economy in the Adriatic–Ionian Region" brings together governance actors, practitioners and project partners for 90 minutes of policy dialogue and exchange.

🕑 14:00–15:30 CEST | Tuesday 19 May
📍 Holiday Inn Hotel, Skopje, North Macedonia

The programme includes presentations on EU policy developments, real-world lessons from across the region, and a roundtable bringing together governance actors, project partners and institutional stakeholders.

👉 Attending the Forum? Don't miss it: register and select our side event (Tuesday 19 May, 14:00–15:30) here: https://www.adriatic-ionian.eu/event/save-the-date-11th-forum-of-the-eu-strategy-for-the-adriatic-and-ionian-region-eusair-18-20-may-2026-skopje-north-macedonia-accelerating-eusair-from-commitment-to-impact/registrations/

More details coming soon!

📊 DO-AIR Workshop Report is now out!

We are happy to share the results of the interactive workshop “Data to Connect the Adriatic-Ionian Area”, held online on 28 April 2026.

The report highlights key trends shaping the Adriatic-Ionian Region, including demographic changes and brain drain, trade and economic flows, transport and connectivity.

The workshop brought together institutions, universities, Chambers of Commerce and regional stakeholders, all working towards a common goal: better data for better cooperation.

💡 A key takeaway: reliable data is essential to support stronger connections and more informed decisions across the region.

📄 Read the full report on the Forum AIC website: https://www.forumaic.org/do-air-workshop-2026-la-bussola-dei-dati-per-orientare-il-futuro-e-la-cooperazione-dellarea-adriatico-ionio/

🎥 Couldn’t join us? Rewatch the full session here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cIROgmSxxM



EU Strategy for the Adriatic - Ionian Region
Regione Marche
Camera di Commercio delle Marche
Univpm Università Politecnica delle Marche