The European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) provides an integrated framework for riparian countries and regions, in view of developing some transnational strategic approaches, Deputy Prime Minister Paul Stanescu conveyed to the attendees of the EUSDR National Forum, through a message delivered by State Secretary Alin Chirila.
The meeting marks the takeover of the EUSDR Presidency by Romania.
"It is an honor for us, but also a challenge because the main task for us is transforming this area in a competitive, dynamic, thriving region, where local communities benefit a higher standard of living. I express the belief that the local authorities of the Danube riparian counties will put in all the efforts for the social-economic growth and revival of the localities with a growing potential," Paul Stanescu stated.
He highlighted that "among the priorities of Romania's mandate of the Presidency of the EUSDR, the strengthening of the territorial cooperation is also included, by consolidating dialogue and developing crossborder relations."
"In this regard, the competitive potential of the crossborder regions can be unblocked through investments in tourism and cultural heritage areas, which represents an opportunity for transforming the Danube region in a competitive, dynamic and thriving region," Stanescu explained.
In the Deputy PM's view, "the EUSDR provides an integrated framework for riparian countries and regions, in view of developing some transnational strategic approaches of projects, networks and common solutions."
Paul Stanescu also tackled the topic of funding some "relevant" projects for the EUSDR.
"At the level of the Regional Development and Public Administration Ministry we intend to implement a series of relevant investments for the EUSDR, funded under the Regional Operational Programme 2014-2020, in increasing energy efficiency, urban revitalistaion and mobilisation, cultural heritage, infrastructure of county roads, tourism, regenerating small and medium-sized cities. These investments will focus on 12 Danube riparian counties," the Deputy PM showed.
The EUSDR is one of the macro-regional strategies of the European Union, initiated and promoted by Romania and Austria and endorsed by the European Council in 2011. The EUSDR represents a cooperation platform of the states of the Danube basin, destined to economic and social development of the Danube macro-region and an articulation framework between the priority objectives of national development and those of "the Europe 2020" Strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, assumed by the EU member states.
Fourteen states participate in the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region, namely nine member states of the European Union (Austria, Romania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Germany - as a Federal State and through Baden-Wurttemberg and Bavaria lands, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary), and five third countries (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine).
The Strategy has four main objectives: interconnecting the Danube region, protecting the environment of the Danube region, increasing prosperity in the Danube region and strengthening the Danube region, being structured on 11 priority areas.
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