2. A Socio-political Perspective on the Adriatic-Ionian Area

This chapter provides a description of the Adriatic-Ionian area with a specific focus on both existing and potential initiatives for regional cooperation. This approach is supported by the analysis of the main socio-demographic trends in the area that suggests the existence of a number of common challenges with societal implications, for which policy coordination can be more effective and beneficial. These challenges include depopulation and declining fertility rates. However, cooperation in the area is ultimately dependent on political factors, such as the “unfinished” EU enlargement as well as the lack of reconciliation in the Balkans. In these respects, the key political actors involved in the area should look at the various initiatives on inter-ethnic dialogue and reconciliation started by civil society organizations, which seem to be often more well-disposed to transform the social and political context of the Adriatic-Ionian than their leaders. Addressing these political issues is essential for territorial development and for better addressing the social needs of the population.