THE EUROPEAN DANUBE REGION STRATEGY A macro-region in action

1. THE EUROPEAN DANUBE REGION STRATEGYA macro-region in action ESPON 2013 SEMINAR, GÖDÖLLŐ, 21-22 JUNE 2011

2. "Magistrale" railway axis Paris-Budapest via Stuttgart, Ulm, Munich, Vienna and Bratislava Removal of shipwrecks Multimodal terminals at ports Transnational tourism packages – rail – cycle – boat E-Health E-government Joint research centres 4Biomass – renewable energies “Blue Danube” Waste water treatment cooperation project Danube Civil Society Forum Flood and drought protection Joint programmes for professional education and vocational training

4. What is a macro region? • No standard definition • A working method - Pilot initiative of MS • Cooperation and coordination • Shared solutions • Better use of potential • Better quality of life • 2 existing strategies • Baltic and Danube region

5. What is a macro regional strategy? • « a framework for common action » • Identified common needs • Commitment for shared and integrated solutions, new ideas • Policy coordination • Alignment of financial sources • Covers several regions in several countries • Smaller then the EU

6. Why macro regional strategies? • “Many of the region's challenges know no borders: flooding, transport and energy links, environmental protection and security, all require a united approach” • A sustainable framework for policy integration • Commonly agreed priority actions • Aligned funding • Region specific challenges and opportunities • Community aquis; • Reinforcing major EU policy initiatives

7. The preparation of the EUSDR • Wide consultation process - Involvement of stakeholders • national and local authorities, NGOs, regions and cities, etc. • 14 countries: 8 EU Member States and 6 non-MS • Output: Communication from the EU Commission to other EU Institutions / Action Plan

8. 4 Pillars, 11 Priority Areas, Actions and Projects A Connecting the Danube Region B Protecting the environment in the Danube Region C Building Prosperity in the Danube Region D Strengthening the Danube Region

9. Key topics • Mobility: movement of people and goods, corridors across Europe • Energy: secure sources, diversification, especially renewable, reduction in emissions, efficiency • Water: quality (pollution, ecosystems) and quantity (navigation, risk prevention and management) • Biodiversity: precious natural heritage as a source of well-being and prosperity

10. Key topics • Socio-economic development: jobs, welfare, framework for creativity and investments, IT potential • Education and capacity: schools and universities, training, modern administration, inclusion of all citizens • Culture and identity: rich cultural heritage, tourism potential • Safety: personal safety and protection, fight against organised crime, corruption

11. Timetable • June 2009: European Council Conclusions • 2010: Wide consultation process - 5 preparatory conferences and public consultation process • December 2010: Commission presents Action Plan and Communication: definition of the main pillars, types of actions envisaged, identification of projects and actions and coordination of existing initiatives • February 2011: Designation of priority area coordinators • 13 April 2011: Adoption by the General Affairs Council • 14 June 2011: Endorsement by the Heads of State at the European Council – start of the implementation phase

12. Implementation European Council Strategy Action Plan European Commission DG REGIO High Level Group National Contact Points Priority Area Coordinators network Implementation Reporting EU and national programmes Financing Institutions Projects Strategy Laboratory Group Implementation support and guidance European Commission

13. Thank you for your attention! IN