Connecting the South-Adriatic: establishing a secure, efficient, and resilient connectivity governance

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Italy Albania Montenegro (South Adriatic)

Date of latest update: 2026-04-02

Description

Description (EN):

Project Objective: To improve European interconnection while developing green and sustainable mobility within the South Adriatic area of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Here's an analysis of the Work Plan (WP1, WP2, and WP3), and their logical interconnection to the achievement of the objectives set for the program and project. 1. WP1: STRATEGIC INTERREG FRAMEWORK CAPITALISATION AND UPGRADING The activities in WP1 focuses on developing and aligning the strategic policy framework of the targeted territory with the EU's Sustainable, Green, and Smart Mobility Strategies. By conducting assessments, analysing the existing TEN-T networks, and studying Corridor VIII, the project gains a comprehensive understanding of the current state of multimodal mobility. The feasibility study for the road-level extension of TEN-T and the development of guidelines and recommendation documents contribute to improving access to TEN-T and cross-border mobility. Additionally, upgrading the infrastructure and security at the Port of Bar enhances regional connectivity and supports sustainable and intelligent mobility. The communication objectives in WP1 help promote the project and raise awareness among various target audiences. 2. WP2: CAPACITY BUILDING – REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY COORDINATION WP2 aims to increase critical knowledge on the Connectivity Agenda and promote greening businesses and services within the ports involved. The workshop sessions on the port's green transition, knowledge sharing, and regional management and coordination of the TEN-T contribute to building the capacity of institutional stakeholders. By focusing on topics such as energy efficiency, mobility plans, and emission reduction, the project empowers stakeholders with the knowledge and practices necessary for sustainable and intelligent mobility. The study visits an EU port further enhance the understanding of replicable practices. The coordination training session supports the revaluation of Corridor VIII and the development of innovative recommendations, aligning with the overall objective of improving European interconnection. 3. WP3: REGIONAL TRANSPORT CONNECTIVITY UPGRADE WP3 addresses the objective of upgrading regional transport infrastructure and services. The feasibility studies for railway and road upgrades provide insights into the current state of connectivity and propose solutions for improvement, supporting the goal of developing green and sustainable mobility within the South Adriatic area of the TEN-T. The pilot project on smart mobility solutions showcases innovative technologies and strategies to enhance transportation efficiency and sustainability. The capacity-building and training activities equip stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and skills to promote and implement sustainable transport practices. By promoting sustainable and efficient regional transport services through communication objectives, the project aims to raise awareness, disseminate knowledge, and encourage stakeholders to adopt sustainable transport measures. Overall, the activities in the Work Plan are designed to address different aspects of the program and project objectives. WP1 focuses on strategic framework development and upgrading, WP2 focuses on capacity building and knowledge sharing for regional connectivity coordination, and WP3 plays a crucial role in upgrading regional transport connectivity, promoting sustainability, and enhancing the efficiency of transportation services. Overall Impact: The project and its work packages collectively aim to improve European interconnection within the South Adriatic area of the TEN-T while promoting sustainable, green, and intelligent mobility. The impacts of the project and the outputs from each work package can be summarized as follows: Improved Strategic Policy Framework: The outputs of WP1, such as the aligned strategic policy framework, analysis reports, and recommendation documents, contribute to the development of a more cohesive and effective policy framework. The impact is a strengthened strategic approach to the targeted territory's sustainable, green, and smart mobility strategies. Enhanced Regional Connectivity Coordination: The outputs from WP2, including capacity building actions, knowledge sharing, and regional management and coordination training, lead to improved coordination among institutional stakeholders. The impact is an increased understanding and implementation of sustainable practices within the ports, resulting in reduced environmental impact and improved efficiency in regional connectivity. Upgraded Regional Transport Infrastructure: The outputs of WP3, such as feasibility study reports, pilot project results, and capacity-building activities, contribute to the upgrading of regional transport infrastructure and services. The impact is improved transport connectivity, enhanced sustainability, and increased efficiency of transportation services in the targeted territories.

Actual Achievements (EN):

During reporting periods 3 and 4, the project made significant progress in strengthening coordination among partners and advancing both management and technical activities. Despite the fact that only the Lead Partner (LP), Port of Durres (PP6), Ministry of Maritime Affairs (PP7) and Port of Bar (PP8) declared certified expenditures, important foundations were established for the implementation of the project’s strategic objectives. From a project management perspective, partners successfully launched and structured the cooperation framework. Key milestones included the organization of the kick-off meeting in Bari, the signing of the Partnership Agreement, and the establishment of internal project working groups across several partners. Governance activities were reinforced through the first Steering Committee meeting in Bar and participation in the Joint Secretariat Monitoring Committee in Vlora, which increased the project’s visibility at programme level. Continuous coordination was ensured through internal meetings, regular reporting on the Jems platform, and the preparation of procurement plans and financial monitoring tools. The acquisition of essential equipment further supported the operational capacity of partners In terms of communication management, partners developed a shared communication strategy and a unified visual identity, ensuring consistent dissemination across countries. Some progress was also achieved within the technical Work Package 1 (WP1). The Lead Partner advanced procurement procedures for specialized studies and initiated cooperation with ANAS to develop a Technical and Economic Feasibility Study for extending the TEN-T road network between Bari and Lecce. Asset (PP2) identified experts for in-depth analyses, including the update of Corridor VIII, and prepared the initial framework for a multimodal mobility study. The Port of Durres hosted a technical meeting to coordinate Wp1 activities, demonstrating the practical value of cooperation. Meanwhile, the Port of Bar progressed with security-related investments and prepared tenders for further analytical support, contributing to safer and more efficient port operations. With reference to the Pilot actions Port of Durres has launched digitalization efforts through a new Terminal Operation System and Port Community System studies. At the same time, the Port of Bar is progressing with security upgrades to improve operational safety.

Project outputs: Enhanced access to TEN-T and cross-border mobility.(EN)
Increased critical knowledge about Connectivity agenda in the South Adriatic by the human and technical resources(EN)
Strategic maritime infrastructures improved(EN)

Thematic information

Governance, partnership Transport and mobility

Priority: (VI-A_SA(I-A-M)_PA 3) A more connected South Adriatic programme area by enhancing mobility and regional connectivity

Priority specific objective: RSO3.2. Developing and enhancing sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent and intermodal national, regional and local mobility, including improved access to TEN-T and cross-border mobility

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO3 A more connected Europe by enhancing mobility

Type of intervention: 108 Multimodal transport (TEN-T)

Partners (8)

Lead Partner: Regione Puglia

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 80017210727 | mobilita.regione@pec.rupar.puglia.it (EN)

Department: Mobility Infrastructure Section

Address: Via Gentile,, 70126 Bari, Italy

Department address: Via Gentile,, 70126 Bari, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.regione.puglia.it

Total budget: EUR 1 964 377.44

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 1 571 501.95

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 392 875.49

Contractors:

Name: Agriplan srl
VAT registration or tax identification number: 01837350741
Name: Cosimo Chiffi
VAT registration or tax identification number: 03937430753
Name: Boccia srl
VAT registration or tax identification number: 05743290727
Name: Arcangelo Bicchieri
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02289620730

Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mare Adriatico Meridionale

Name: Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mare Adriatico Meridionale

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 08032850722 | N/A | protocollo@pec.adspmam.it (EN)

Address: Piazzale Cristoforo Colombo , 70122 Bari, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: N.a.

Total budget: EUR 761 345.45

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 609 076.36

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 152 269.09

Luka Bar AD

Name: Luka Bar AD

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02002558

Address: Obala 13. jula, 85000 Bar, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: N.a.

Website: http://lukabar.me/me/

Total budget: EUR 988 084.98

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 839 872.23

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 148 212.75

Contractors:

Name: NETCOM d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30/31-02501-9
Name: Multiprint d.o.o. Bar
VAT registration or tax identification number: 80/31-00011-5
Name: ANTIVARI STAR d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 80/31-03095-2
Name: Čikom d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02177579
Name: Sanja Bojić
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1710981345003
Name: ID SHOP d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: SI 12803782

Ministarstvo Pomorstva

Name: Ministarstvo Pomorstva

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 030199611

Address: Rimski Trg, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: N.a.

Website: https://www.gov.me/mki

Total budget: EUR 333 585.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 283 547.25

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 50 037.75

Contractors:

Name: Čikom doo
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02177579
Name: Dalibor Pelević
VAT registration or tax identification number: n/a
Name: Dunja Nelević
VAT registration or tax identification number: n/a

Autoriteti Portual Durrës

Name: Autoriteti Portual Durrës

Partner’s ID if not PIC: J61811536L

Address: RRUGA Tregtare,Lagja , 2001 Durres, Albania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: N.a.

Website: http://www.durresport.al/

Total budget: EUR 699 544.98

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 594 613.23

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 104 931.75

Ministria e Infrastrukturës dhe Energjisë

Name: Ministria e Infrastrukturës dhe Energjisë

Department: Directorate of Conception and feasibility of Infrastructure and Transport Projects

Partner’s ID if not PIC: L72413451 B

Address: Abdi Toptani , 1001 Tirana, Albania

Department address: Abdi Toptani , 1001 Tirana, Albania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: http://www.infrastruktura.gov.al

Total budget: EUR 266 175.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 226 248.75

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 39 926.25

Regione Molise

Name: Regione Molise

Department: Department IV - Government of the Territory

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 00169440708 | regionemolise@cert.regione.molise.it (EN)

Address: Via Genova, 86100 Campobasso, Italy

Department address: Via Genova, 86100 Campobasso, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://www.regione.molise.it/

Total budget: EUR 150 047.10

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 120 037.68

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 30 009.42

Agenzia regionale Strategica per lo Sviluppo Ecosostenibile del Territorio

Name: Agenzia regionale Strategica per lo Sviluppo Ecosostenibile del Territorio

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 93485840727 | asset@pec.rupar.puglia.it (EN)

Address: Via G. Gentile, 70126 Bari, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: N.a.

Website: http://asset.regione.puglia.it/

Total budget: EUR 836 839.90

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 669 471.92

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 167 367.98

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Southern Adriatic Sea Ports Authority

Connecting the South-Adriatic: establishing a secure, efficient, and resilient connectivity governance

Partners and Projects info

Port of Bar JSC

Connecting the South-Adriatic: establishing a secure, efficient, and resilient connectivity governance

Partners and Projects info

Ministry of Maritime Affairs

Connecting the South-Adriatic: establishing a secure, efficient, and resilient connectivity governance

Partners and Projects info

Durres Port Authority

Connecting the South-Adriatic: establishing a secure, efficient, and resilient connectivity governance

Partners and Projects info

Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy

Connecting the South-Adriatic: establishing a secure, efficient, and resilient connectivity governance

Partners and Projects info

Molise Region

Connecting the South-Adriatic: establishing a secure, efficient, and resilient connectivity governance

Partners and Projects info

Regional Strategic Agency for the eco-sustainable development of the territory

Connecting the South-Adriatic: establishing a secure, efficient, and resilient connectivity governance

Partners and Projects info

Puglia Region

Connecting the South-Adriatic: establishing a secure, efficient, and resilient connectivity governance

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Operation of strategic importance (OSI) or above EUR 5 million

Project name (EN): Connecting the South-Adriatic: establishing a secure, efficient, and resilient connectivity governance

Project acronym: SA-Connectivity

Project ID: SA-0200235

Project start date: 2023-07-01

Project end date: 2027-12-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

EFINTIS (ITALME) (EN) | Partners in EFINTIS project (Port of Bar, Durres PA, ADSPMAM) signed MoU for the establishment of regional cooperation network and strengthen the promotion of intermodal transport. In addition, Durres PA will continue to develop ICT solution developed within the EFINTIS project. (EN), SUPAIR (ADRION) (EN) | Results of ADRION projects SUPAIR (Action Plans for a Sustainable and Low-carbon Port of Bar and Port of Durres) will be capitalized with activities related to the port’s Green Transition. (EN), POR PUGLIA 2014-2020 (EN) | Within the POR PUGLIA 2014-2020, the priority axe more concerned with the promotion of mobility is No. 7 – “Transport systems and network infrastructure” with different actions relevant to this project proposal:
1. Adriatic Ionian Small Port Network - AI Smart
Use alternative energies and green solutions in transport and encourage the traffic of goods and people, with investments and ICT solutions;
2. The SOLAR project has as a general theme that of measuring the ecological footprint of the airports of Puglia, Albania and Montenegro, thus activating policies aimed at reducing it considerably, in line with the specific Objective 3.2 of the Programme. It is to be considered as a sharing of best practices to environmental efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions.
(EN), LASTING (ITALME) (EN) | Partners in LASTING project (Port of Bar, Durres PA, ADSPMAM, ASSET) aimed at establishing a regional coordination and streamlining of passenger flows within the Lower Adriatic (LA) area and into the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), calling for the relaunch of the Pan-European Corridor VIII. (EN), SAGOV 2014-2020 (EN) | The main goal of the project SAGOV was to promote connectivity networks in the South Adriatic area, with a focus on the maritime transport infrastructure. The project was build upon an exchange of best practices, to respective challenges providing examples of integrated governance on the policy-making of strategic connectivity projects in this region. The final aim was to provide innovative tools and procedures that may be used by all stakeholders to improve the planning, implementation and monitoring of CBC connectivity projects. This proposal would be considered as an upgrade and capitalization of the SAGOV. (EN), ALMONIT-MTC 2014-2020 (EN) | The overall objective of “ALMONIT-MTC - Albania, Montenegro, Italy Multimodal Transport Connectivity” is to increase cross-border accessibility, promote sustainable transport services and facilities and improve public infrastructures. In particular, four multimodal maritime transport connections will operate between Italy, Albania and Montenegro, while a new pilot multimodal transport on Lake Shkodra will connect Albania with Montenegro. For Albania, this is the first intervention in international inland water transport. Thus, the improvement and scaling up the processes of strategic transport connectivity within the region is of the most importance and focus of this proposal. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 5 999 999.85

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 4 914 369.37

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 81.91%

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 4 914 369.37. Co-financing rate, 81.91%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Partnership Agreement
Visual identity and production of informative and promotional materials
In-depth Analysis - multimodal mobility
In-depth Analysis - TEN-T networks
In-depth Analysis - Corridor VIII
Feasibility Study Bari-Brindisi-Lecce multimodal corridor
Guidelines and Recommendation Document
SA transport connectivity Informative Platform
Technical documentation for upgrading Port of Bar infrastructure
Study related to the Security procedures/issues in Port of Bar
Feasibility study for the development of an LNG terminal in Port of Bar
Guidance/procedures on implementing port waste management plan(s).
Coordination meetings Reports and Recommendations
3 workshop sessions
1 awareness raising campaign of impact to EU green transition by greening service processes in ports
1 Study Visit
8 Reports on Study Visit findings
3-day training session
1 Report on complementarity of the local and regional connectivity initiatives
Strategic and Action Plan for SA-Connectivity
1 MoU on usage of jointly developed solutions signed
1 small-investment initiative in the Port of Bar delivered
Port of Durres General cargo Terminal modernized.
Port of Termoli facilities equipped
3 Pilot Initiatives tested and implemented
Waste transfer stations in a Port of Bar.
1 Regional-based monitoring programme
Project promotional material
Project closure event
Infrastructure upgraded

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The programme area is aligned with and contributes to achieving the goals, actions, and flagships of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR): PILLAR 2: CONNECTING THE REGION
The project is of great interest to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport of Italy (MIT) thus the role of Associate partner to Region Apulia in this project has been assigned to them. MIT has recognised the strong relevance between the territorial issues dealt with, in line with most of its political priorities of 2023, both with reference to the improvement of the TEN-T, the coordination and monitoring of which is also entrusted to this administration, and to the definition of policies aimed at developing and improving green and sustainable mobility promoting new strategies for the creation and control of sustainable and crisis-resilient infrastructures. Relation to Master Plan: The assessments of TEN-T networks and Corridor VIII offer a more detailed and targeted perspective, allowing for tailored strategies and recommendations that intend to enhance the effectiveness of the Master Plan. The assessments complement the Transport Master Plan by focusing on a critical transportation route, tailored strategies and recommendations for enhancing this specific corridor, optimizing its efficiency, and addressing any bottlenecks or infrastructure gaps. It ensures that the Master Plan is grounded in a clear understanding of the existing network's capabilities and limitations.
These assessments can help ensure that the Master Plan aligns more closely with the goals of the EUSAIR and the specific objectives of PILLAR 2: CONNECTING THE REGION. By addressing the strengths and weaknesses of existing networks and corridor-specific challenges, the Master Plan can be more actionable, and closely aligned with the overarching regional development goals, such as strengthening maritime safety, developing competitive ports, improving transport networks, and fostering cross-border cooperation.
Other The project is in line with the Apulia Regional Transport Plan/Action Plan 2021 – 2030, considering a wide range of other European and National programming, in particular: The Green New Deal (GND);
The TEN-T network: the Scandinavian-Mediterranean corridor; The new Cohesion Policy 2021-2027;
The Development and Cohesion Fund 2021-2027 etc. Annex IV of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 refers to point 3.1 the thematic enabling condition, related to the policy Objective 3, which: i) is consistent with the transport-related elements contained in the integrated national energy and climate plan; ii) ensures complementarity of investments outside the TEN-T core network corridors, including cross-border sections, by providing urban networks, regions and local communities with sufficient connectivity to the TEN-T core network and its nodes; etc.; Montenegrin Transport Development Strategy 2019-2035 Specific objectives related to the Port of Bar are 1.4 (improve the connectivity of the Port of Bar as it solves the problem of upgrading the port infrastructure and services that need to be improved in order to support intermodal activities), 1.13 (improve the connectivity of the Port of Bar) and 2.3. (Revitalize and/or upgrade transport infrastructure in maritime transport). The project is in line with the Albanian National Strategy for Development and European Integration 2030, the Albanian National Plan for European Integration 2022-2024, Government Program 2021-2025, Draft National Strategy of Transport and its Action Plan 2021-2025. Strategic priorities defined in the Draft NST 2021-2025 for the Maritime Transport are related to the Project as below: Strategic priority 1 Efficient and responsive maritime and port systems ; Objective 1.2 Improving the institutional and leadership capacities of the maritime and port sector; Strategic priority 2 Sustainable growth for the maritime and port markets Objective 2.1 Rehabilitation and modernization of port infrastructure and services.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Crna Gora (ME), Bar, Obala 13. jula, 2, 85000
Shqipëria (AL), Durres, RRUGA Tregtare,Lagja , 1, 2001
Italia (IT), Bari, Piazzale Cristoforo Colombo, 1, 70122

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Italy Albania Montenegro (South Adriatic)

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2026-04-02

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

78 / 78 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

369 / 369 (100%)

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Connecting the South-Adriatic: establishing a secure, efficient, and resilient connectivity governance

Description

Thematic information

Partners (8)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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