The priorities for the Austrian Presidency of the Danube Strategy were discussed by Minister Tsekov and H. E. Andrea Ikić-Böhm

Priority topics to be the focus of the Austrian Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region were discussed today at a meeting between the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Andrei Tsekov and the Austrian Ambassador to Bulgaria H. E. Andrea Ikić-Böhm. The preliminary talks between the member states will be used to shape the final agenda for the presidency, which will be assumed by Austria for a period of one year from 1 November 2023.

Among the topics to be worked on under the Austrian presidency, Ambassador Ikić-Böhm pointed out those on security, innovation, the green transition and improving connectivity. She expressed interest in the infrastructure projects being implemented in Bulgaria.

Minister Tsekov noted that improving connectivity between the regions of the country and with Bulgaria's neighboring countries is a priority and briefed Her Excellency on the progress in the implementation of the major infrastructure projects in Bulgaria and the problems in the implementation of some of them. The Regional Minister also pointed out that the participation of more candidates in the tenders will be an incentive to increase quality and therefore the main focus of the work will be to strengthen competition.

Minister Tsekov and Ambassador Ikić-Bьom agreed that better transport connectivity contributes to the development of business and the improvement of living conditions for people in the regions.

The Danube Strategy has been implemented since 2011 on the initiative of the countries of the Danube Region, which comprises 14 countries with 115 million inhabitants, 9 of which are members of the European Union. Bulgaria took over the rotating presidency of the Strategy in 2018 and focuses on cultural heritage and tourism as generators of economic growth.