MRDPW hosted a meeting of the coordinators of the Danube Strategy

National Coordinators and Priority Area Coordinators discuss topical issues in the work of the Strategy and the preparation for the Annual Forum in Sofia

 The national coordinators and the coordinators of the priority areas of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region held a two-day working meeting in Ruse within the framework of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Strategy. The event brought together representatives of the countries of the Danube region, the European Commission and the partner structures of the Strategy.

“The added value of the Danube Strategy lies in its ability to unite countries and regions around challenges that do not stop at national borders and to help translate common priorities into coordinated actions,” emphasized the Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Desislava Georgieva at the opening of the forum. “It is encouraging to see how the strategy has evolved over the years, continuing to bring together new people, new perspectives and new ideas for the future of the Danube region,” said the Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works of the Republic of Bulgaria. And he pointed out that for the Bulgarian Presidency "it was important not only to continue the work, but also to raise the issue of the future place and role of the Danube Strategy".

The participants were also welcomed by the Mayor of Ruse Pencho Milkov.

The progress on the program of the Bulgarian Presidency, the current issues in the work of the Danube Strategy and the preparations for the 15th Annual Forum were the focus of the talks on the first day. The European Commission presented an update on the development of macro-regional strategies and the preparation of the EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034.

Special emphasis was placed on better linking the priorities of the Danube Strategy with future European policies and financial instruments. The Guidelines for aligning the Strategy with the future EU budget, developed during the Bulgarian Presidency, as well as the joint messages of the four macro-regional strategies were discussed. Representatives of the Interreg Danube Region Programme informed the guests of the event about the progress of the implementation of the programme, the current and future funding opportunities and the preparation for the next programming period.

A discussion on the role of universities and academic and research networks in the Danube region concluded the first day of talks. Daniel Bratanov, Vice-Rector of the University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev”, presented to the participants the experience and opportunities for the contribution of universities to the cooperation in the region.

Work continued today with a focus on the role of macro-regional strategies in supporting the EU enlargement process, youth participation in the Danube Strategy and practical obstacles to cross-border cooperation. Croatia, which will take over the presidency of the Danube Strategy in 2027, presented key orientations for its upcoming presidency.

The meeting in Ruse precedes the upcoming 15th Annual Forum of the Danube Strategy, which Bulgaria will host on November 3 and 4 in Sofia. The Forum will focus on connectivity, people and local economies, resilience and security, the role of cities, the future of Cohesion Policy and the place of post-2027 macro-regional strategies.

Immediately before its opening, our country will also host a meeting of ministers responsible for regional development from the countries of the Danube region.

Registration for the Annual Forum continues at https://danube-region.eu/events/15th-eusdr-annual-forum/.