Ilijana Radaković

Abstract

Cooperation plays a vital role in solving environmental problems especially when it comes to fragmented regions such as the Adriatic Ionian region. This paper examines the impact of transnational and cross-border cooperation on environmental projects in the 2014–2020 programming period of the European Union. Actor-network analysis helps understand the dynamics among 127 actors across four major EU programmes (Interreg strands A and B). In the results, regional authorities emerge as ‘leader’ and ‘broker’ actors, playing a special role in promoting cross-border cooperation. However, the limited involvement of smaller non-EU actors points to opportunities for growth. The development of this network would lead to a stronger resilience of the region, facilitate the solving of environmental problems, and thus contribute holistically to the promotion of sustainable development.

Keywords: cooperation, cross-border, transnational, Adriatic Ionian region, actor-network analyses

Ilijana Radaković [i.radakovic@pm.univpm.it], Università Politecnica delle Marche, Facoltà di Ingegneria Via Brecce Bianche 12 60131 Ancona: Italy
Erblin Berisha [erblin.berisha@polito.it], Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning (DIST), Politecnico di Torino Viale Pier Andrea Mattioli 39 10125 Torino: Italy

Citation

APA: Radaković, I., & Berisha, E. (2025). The role of actors in environmental-oriented cross-border and transnational cooperation in the Adriatic Ionian region. Europa XXI, 49, 4. https://doi.org/
MLA: Radaković, Ilijana, and Berisha, Erblin. "The role of actors in environmental-oriented cross-border and transnational cooperation in the Adriatic Ionian region". Europa XXI, vol. 49, 2025, pp. 4. https://doi.org/
Chicago: Radaković, Ilijana, and Berisha, Erblin. "The role of actors in environmental-oriented cross-border and transnational cooperation in the Adriatic Ionian region". Europa XXI 49 (2025): 4. https://doi.org/
Harvard: Radaković, I., & Berisha, E. 2025. "The role of actors in environmental-oriented cross-border and transnational cooperation in the Adriatic Ionian region". Europa XXI, vol. 49, pp. 4. https://doi.org/