(ANSA) - ROMA, JUL 28 - "The guiding principle of our Presidency is teamwork among European institutions, member states, regions, and civil society. We want to make the Adriatic-Ionian region—its businesses and territories—increasingly dynamic drivers of growth and key economic, logistical, and energy hubs between Europe and the broader Mediterranean." Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani made these remarks at the launch event for Italy's Presidency of the European Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAI) held at the Unioncamere headquarters in Rome. "Under our Presidency," he added, "we will strengthen our commitment to reintegrating the Balkans into European history, which is an absolute strategic priority for the government and for me personally. It is the greatest strategic investment Europe can make. 2026 is a decisive year. In this effort, regional forums such as the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative and the Central European Initiative are crucial for guiding this process. We will work to vigorously advance all the thematic priorities of the Eusair strategy. I am thinking first and foremost of infrastructure and energy connections. This is a crucial issue for the diversification and strengthening of our supply chains—an issue that the Gulf crisis has made impossible to postpone any longer. Italy is at the forefront of efforts regarding major logistics corridors such as Imec, which will connect Europe with the major Asian markets. Trieste and the entire network of Adriatic ports will play a leading role. I am also thinking of the European transport corridors. These are tools for economic and political integration that make trade and supply chains more efficient. Italy is also at the forefront of supporting the development of Corridor VIII, just as the work on Corridor X is essential. We also support the construction of the Trieste-Zagreb-Ljubljana-Belgrade railway line, which is the subject of a preliminary study by Ince in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Milan. A great deal of work lies ahead of us over the next 12 months. We will work toward concrete results that benefit our businesses and our citizens: more connections, more trade, and greater well-being. Together, we will make the Adriatic-Ionian region increasingly a space for dialogue, stability, and growth, fostering the reunification of the Balkans with Europe." (ANSA).