Minister Ivan Shishkov: The Trust Built Between Our Countries and Institutions Enables Us to Work Together on Issues That Go Beyond National Borders and Require Common Solutions

"As Chair of the National High-Level Group for the Coordination of the Implementation of the Danube Strategy, I would like to emphasize that the success of the Strategy is measured not only by the projects implemented, but also by the trust that has been built between our countries and institutions. It is precisely this trust that enables us to work together on issues that transcend national borders and require common solutions." This was stated today by the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, Architect Ivan Shishkov, during his participation in the Conference of the Ministers of the Interior of the Member States of the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region.
"Security is becoming increasingly central among the challenges we face," the Minister stressed. He pointed out that the growing complexity of the security environment, the cross-border nature of threats, accelerated digitalisation, hybrid attacks, disinformation, and the risks of radicalisation require coordinated action and close cooperation among all countries and institutions in the region. He expressed the view that sustainable development, investment, and territorial cohesion can only be achieved in an environment of trust, stability, and security. He also noted that countering terrorism, violent extremism, and radicalisation, as well as strengthening cybersecurity in the context of rapidly evolving hybrid threats, are of crucial importance for the future of the Danube Region.
The Minister of Regional Development noted that Priority Area 11 of the Strategy – Security, jointly coordinated by Bulgaria and Bavaria, has established itself as an important platform for cooperation, the exchange of good practices, and the development of joint capacity to respond to contemporary threats. He highlighted the particularly valuable role of the partnership between national institutions, the European Commission, Europol, the Southeast European Law Enforcement Center (SELEC), and all other organisations contributing to the achievement of our common objectives.
In conclusion, Minister Shishkov noted that the conference represents an important step towards the 15th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, which will be hosted by the Bulgarian Presidency of the Strategy in November 2026. A dedicated session on security is currently being prepared, reflecting the key importance of the topic for the development of the entire Danube Region.
The Conference of the Ministers of the Interior of the Member States of the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region is part of the calendar of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Strategy. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Strategy, established to promote better connectivity, sustainable development, economic growth, and stronger partnership and cooperation among the countries of the region.