The European Commission’s Strategy to boost development of the Danube Region, with aim to develop the huge economic potential and improve environmental conditions of the region was presented today at of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo.
„The Strategy gives an opportunity for a cross-border cooperation“, said David Sweet, Advisor to the Director General in the European Commission’s DG Regional Policy, who presented the project.
The Strategy itself is a voluminous document whose preparation aimed at reaching a concensus on the key questions for the whole Danube Region. According to Mr. Sweet, that is a unique case in the world.
The accent is also on prevension of e.g. floods that recently caused vast damages in the Region.
„We want to reduce the risk of floods“ said Sweet, and added that the strategy was trying to improve the quality of life and institutional capacities, and reduce the power of organised crime.
The key role of this Strategy for 115 Million inhabitants of the Danube Region is improving sustainable transport, linking energy systems, protecting the environment, preserving water recources and stimulating the business climate.
The focus of the Strategy, which should contribute to better coherence between different policy areas and greater coordination between participating states, is on sustainable growth and on the Europe 2020 goals.
The Strategy proposes creation of an EU “Macro-region” at the highest level such as the one in the Baltic Sea area which has given excellent results.
The European Commission expects a significant contribution of the Strategy to build a better future of the Danube Region, since it is based on solving important questions, such as mobility, energy, pollution, jobs and security.
After all, the recent disaster with toxic sludge in Hungary showed that the conutries of the Region must work together.
Csaba Félegyházi, EU Attaché at the Hungarian Embassy in BiH, addressed the journalists and added that the EU Strategy for the Danube Region would be one of the priorities when Hungary starts presiding EU in Janauary.
„We are planning several conferences on this issue during April and June“, said Csaba and added that Hungary participates in 43 projects of the Danube Region Strategy.
For more information: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/cooperation/danube/index_en.htm
