Overview
The EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) is a macro-regional strategy adopted by the European Commission in December 2010 and endorsed by the European Council in 2011. The Strategy was jointly developed by the Commission, together with the Danube Region countries and stakeholders, in order to address common challenges together.
The EU Strategy for the Danube Region, endorsed in June 2011 by the European Council, is the second EU macro-regional strategy after the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region.
The Strategy seeks to create synergies and coordination between existing policies and initiatives taking place across the Danube Region.
The Danube Region Strategy addresses a wide range of issues; these are divided among four pillars and 11 priority areas within the pillars:
- Pillar 1 - Connecting the Region
- PA 1A - To improve mobility and intermodality of inland waterways
- PA 1B - To improve mobility and intermodality - rail, road and air
- PA 02 - To encourage more sustainable energy
- PA 03 - To promote culture and tourism, people to people contacts
- Pillar 2 - Protecting the Environment
- PA 04 - To restore and maintain the quality of waters
- PA 05 - To manage environmental risks
- PA 06 - To preserve biodiversity, landscapes and the quality of air and soils
- Pillar 3 - Building Prosperity
- PA 07 - To develop the Knowledge Society (research, education and ICT)
- PA 08 - To support the competitiveness of enterprises
- PA 09 - To invest in people and skills
- Pillar 4 - Strengthening the Region
- PA 10 - To step up institutional capacity and cooperation
- PA 11 - To work together to tackle security and organised crime
Each priority area is managed by two Priority Area Coordinators (PACs).
The Priority Area Coordinators (PACs) ensure the implementation of the Action Plan by agreeing on planning, with targets, indicators and timetables, and by making sure there is effective cooperation between project promoters, programmes and funding sources. They also provide technical assistance and advice. The coordinators work in consultation with the Commission, and relevant EU agencies and national/regional bodies.
The National Contact Points (NCPs) coordinate and keep an overview of the participation of their country in the implementation of the EUSDR including all 11 Priority Areas. The role of the NCP is to promote the Strategy and inform relevant stakeholders on the national level of key developments. NCPs also assist the European Commission in its facilitation role.