News And Updates
2011 Brings New Strategy for Danube Region |
On 8 December 2010, for the long-term sustainability of the Danube Region and surrounding areas, the European Commission (EC) adopted the "EU Strategy for the Danube Region". The plan was requested by the European Council in 2009 and is designed to improve transportation, link energy systems, protect the environment, preserve water resources and stimulate the business climate in the area. The Strategy includes a Communication and an Action Plan. Implementation of the Strategy will start following its endorsement by Member States during the Hungarian Presidency of the EU in April 2011.
Although the Strategy will not bring in extra EU finance, a considerable amount of funding is already available to the region through EU programmes. The aim is to use this available support to greater effect and show how macro-regional cooperation can help tackle local problems - € 100 billion alone has been allocated from the cohesion policy (European Regional Development Fund, Cohesion Fund, European Social Fund) between 2007 and 2013.
European Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn said: "During the consultation period the Danube states have shown their commitment to the creation of a new macro-region at the highest level. The Strategy and Action Plan we are proposing are based on over 800 submissions from the Region itself. By focusing on the most important issues, such as mobility, energy, pollution, jobs and security, I am convinced that the Strategy will make a real contribution to building a better future for this part of Europe. This second EU macro region will play an important part in pioneering this form of cooperation. I am convinced that the macro-regional approach can bring excellent results, as we are already seeing in the Baltic Sea Region.''
The Strategy contains a detailed action plan based around four pillars: Connecting and strengthening the Danube Region, protecting the environment and building prosperity in the Region.
For further information, please visit: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/cooperation/danube/index_en.htm