Austrian EUSDR Presidency (2023 – 2024)

The EUSDR managing/programming authorities Network meeting on 12 November 2024 brought together over 100 experts. Interreg and mainstream funding programmes, EUSDR Priority Area Coordinators and National Coordinators, macro-regional strategies (MRS) Supporting Units, representatives of the European Commission and other stakeholders exchanged ideas on how to develop joint activities and enhance the efficiency and impact of programme-MRS cooperation in the field of Embedding.

 

The meeting aimed to actively align the embedding process in a two-way approach: active embedding from the EUSDR’s point of view and active embedding from a programme’s point of view.

 

The representative of the Austrian EUSDR Presidency, Roland Arbter, opened the meeting, appreciating the renewed momentum and significance of the embedding process within the EUSDR reflected in the large number of participants. Mr Arbter also highlighted that one of the Austrian EUSDR Presidency’s aims was to actively work on close links between the Danube Region Strategy and EU programmes, especially with the outlook beyond 2027.

 

Austrian EUSDR Presidency and the Danube Strategy Point prepared the Embedding Guidance Paper 2024, titled “Active Embedding & Planning Ahead”. The paper outlines practical steps for the further alignment of the EUSDR and funding programmes in the current implementation phase. Secondly, it contributes to the discussion on embedding post-2027. Building on specific experiences in Austria in working on embedding with Interreg programmes, a focus is given to the question of how to build embedding links between the EUSDR and the Interreg programmes. Therefore, ‘active embedding’ steps from the EUSDR – what the Strategy can offer to programmes – are analysed in the Guidance Paper 2024 based on the (Interreg) programme cycle. In addition, an alignment of existing activities and proposals developed for concrete active involvement in the various areas of the (Interreg transnational/CBC) programme cycle that go beyond the EUSDR were presented.

 

The Austrian EUSDR Presidency has provided platforms and qualitative inputs for a debate about major trends and policy developments, which will shape future cooperation in the Danube Region. Based on the “Regional and spatial trends in the Danube Region and related integration developments” study (developed by wiiw), the first results identified evidence-based narratives to guide future cooperation, policy-making, and development trends in the Danube Region, with a focus on regional integration, economic challenges, and future cooperation strategies. Further, the study “Think Piece on the need to step up cooperation to master future challenges in the Danube Region” (developed by Spatial Foresight) found that transformations meet the Danube Region in specific ways, highlighting the importance of cooperation to shape the future. These two main ideas were developed into ten key messages focusing on future cooperation.

 

During the discussions, representatives of the EUSDR Priority Areas outlined their future plans of embedding (Priority Area 8 – Competitiveness, Carmen Hawkins and Helia Kovačević Grčić), showed specific projects or emphasised the need for closer cooperation on strategic projects assessment, suggesting a joint approach between programmes and MRS stakeholders to improve funding decisions and maximise long-term impact (Priority Area 6 – Biodiversity, Landscapes and Quality of Air and Soil, Florian Ballnus). From the programmes’ point of view, the representative of the Interreg Alpine Space Programme, Christina Bauer, noted the importance of better connecting Interreg CBC programmes and macro-regional strategies, which requires increased outreach. Others also pointed out the need to connect with the mainstream programmes.

 

Danube Region Programme’s representative, Gabriel Johannes, provided an overview of the Seed Money Facility (SMF) for 2024, highlighting its structure, funding, and assessment processes. The SMF call was launched to initiate strategic projects in alignment with the EUSDR Action Plan, resulting in 36 approved projects with a total budget commitment of 2.7 million EUR. Lessons learned emphasised the added EUSDR ownership from Priority Area Coordinators’ involvement, noting the assessment’s complexity and the challenge of supporting projects from the seed stage to impactful outcomes.

 

Another important topic on the agenda approached the cooperation actions of embedding and utilisation in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) post-2027. A solution for improved cooperation and shared commitment came from Priority Area 10 – Institutional Capacity & Cooperation, Claudia Singer-Smith, who proposed elaborating a joint position among EUSDR managing and programming authorities to tackle performance-based funding, programme implementation and cooperation challenges. Ms Singer-Smith added that MRS could provide a long-term vision, and early discussions about cooperation are essential to avoid late-stage considerations.

 

Ilze Cigaska from the Interact Programme presented two online tools that allow the sharing of information across programmes: Interactive tool 2021-2027 and Index I Interreg Data Exchange, as resources to facilitate cross-regional collaboration within the 2021-2027 period. Ms Cigaska also underscored the new priorities post-2027, namely:
• Cohesion Policy a key driver of EU reforms and investments,
• Emphasis on aligning cohesion policy with EU strategic goals, such as competitiveness, green and digital transitions, and economic and social resilience,
• Increased focus on stakeholder input, particularly regarding programme performance, sustainability, and governance flexibility,
• The role of MRS is to create joint long-term visions, enhance political backing, and increase impact through targeted collaborations that embed project results into regional strategies.

 

With a clear focus on the strategic alignment of programmes and the Danube Region Strategy, the meeting provided an essential platform for sharing best practices, discussing challenges, and strengthening connections across the Danube Region. It also pointed out the further need to work in a cooperative manner, bearing in mind the necessity of MRS and programme cooperation. Additional meetings were envisaged for 2025 to jointly provide solid and tangible approaches for the future of Cohesion policy and the Danube Region.

 

On 6 November 2024, leaders from across the Danube Region gathered in Vienna at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber for the 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗯𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, a cornerstone event of the Austrian EUSDR Presidency, took place at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. This year’s theme, “A Stream of Opportunities,” focused on unlocking the region’s economic potential and sustainable growth.

The 2024 DANUBE REGION BUSINESS SUMMIT brought together 500 participants, marking a highlight of the Danube Region Strategy for the year. The conference began with welcoming remarks from Vice President Philipp Gady, Austria’s Minister for Labour and Economy Martin Kocher, and Themis Christophidou, Director-General of DG Regio at the European Commission. These leaders set the stage for a day filled with insightful keynotes and panels on topics critical to the Danube Region.

The agenda featured keynote speakers who approached topics like energy transition and Green Strategy 20230, supply chain innovation and industrial transformation, circular economy and green technologies, talent development and retention or geo-economic changes and climate-neutral initiatives.

The event was a fantastic opportunity for cross-sector collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation – all aimed at positioning the Danube Region as a European growth engine. Moreover, the summit emphasised the crucial role of fostering the region’s entrepreneurial spirit and showcasing its success stories to boost visibility and attract foreign investment.

Twelve delegations from ten countries attended and were captivated by the programme’s depth and variety. They concluded the day with a memorable Danube Region Wine Tasting.

 

Photo: © WKO/Marko Kovic

As part of the Austrian Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region and the Hungarian EU Council Presidency, an expert discussion was hosted at the Austrian Embassy Budapest on 24 September 2024. Under the title ‘Connecting the Western Balkans’, Ambassador Astrid Harz invited experts to this discussion. A clear prospect of EU accession for the Western Balkan states is an essential component for a resilient and secure Danube Region. Against this background, the topics of external security, internal security and energy infrastructure were examined. During the discussion, the model of ‘gradual integration’, which Austria proposed in 2022 for the Western Balkan states, was repeatedly emphasised.

 

Photo: © Austrian Embassy Budapest

The 13th EUSDR Annual Forum was held on 20-21 June 2024 in Vienna, as the main event of the Austrian EUSDR Presidency 2024. More information about the event can be found here.

The international conference on challenges and opportunities of a fair, green, and digital transition in the labour market and in the field of education in the Danube Region was hosted by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy and the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research of the Republic of Austria in the framework of the 2024 Austrian EUSDR Presidency.

 

The labour market and education systems in the Danube Region are undergoing profound transformations, shaped by four key factors on which the conference focused:
– The Green Transition, which is fundamentally reshaping both education systems and the labour market;
– Digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, which are revolutionizing how we work and learn; and adapting to ongoing digitalisation demands acquiring new skills to navigate its challenges and seize its opportunities effectively;
– Inclusivity, as a paramount factor in the current dynamic landscape for integrating vulnerable groups in the Danube Region;
– Involving the youth in shaping the future of a fair, green, and digital Danube Region.

 

EUSDR Priority Area 9 – “People and Skills,” acts as a crucial platform that concentrates on the dynamics of the labour market and educational policies. This focus lays a solid groundwork for tackling the identified challenges and developing relevant initiatives, projects, and policies. Additionally, it effectively integrates pan-European strategies and initiatives, including the European Green Deal, the European Pillar of Social Rights, and the European Skills Agenda, within a regional context. The EUSDR is instrumental in establishing equitable conditions for both European Union Member States and candidate countries, promoting a more inclusive and unified Europe.

 

Given the geopolitical tensions at the edges of the Danube Region, notably Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, concerted efforts in labour and education policies are imperative. Notably, Priority Area 9 “People and Skills” is jointly coordinated by Austria, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova, underscoring its innovative nature as a platform for cooperation with emerging candidate countries.

 

More details about the event are available here.

 

Photo: © ViennaShots Mediendienstleistungen / Danube Strategy Point

Organised by viadonau, the Austrian Ministry for Climate Action, European Strategy for the Danube Region through Priority Area 1a – Waterways Mobility and supported by the Port of Vienna, the 6th edition of the Danube Business Talks focused on the opportunities provided by the Danube river and offered a discussion platform for the 120 experts present at the event.

 

The European Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) and national plans like the Austrian Ministry for Climate Action’s program work together to develop the waterway for modern and eco-friendly transport. The goal is to encourage a shift from road to water transport, with a focus on sustainability. The European Green Deal, in effect since 2020, plays a crucial role in shaping transport and environmental policies. Initiatives like the “Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy” aim to boost inland and coastal shipping by 25% in Europe by 2030.

 

The discussions focused mainly on:

 

• Increasing future opportunities through modernisation and professionalisation: DG MOVE highlighted progress made under the European action plan NAIADES III. Initiatives like Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and Horizon Europe are advancing the development of zero-emission vehicles and alternative fuels. This includes standardising alternative fuel regulations and building infrastructure in ports. Training, qualification criteria, and expertise development in new propulsion systems and eco-friendly ship operation are also key focus areas. The professionalisation and modernisation of inland navigation are ongoing, along with efforts to harmonise waterway information services and regulations for intermodal transport.

 

• Green hotspots of Danube logistics: The Port of Vienna confirmed that the ports play a crucial role in Danube logistics. They are actively implementing sustainable practices such as increasing the use of solar power, switching to LED lighting, and utilising electric vehicles, developing the most efficient multimodal logistics solutions possible and expanding the hydrogen supply infrastructure along the Danube.

 

• Thrust for the future – but with which fuel? The latest developments in ship design optimisation, finding ways to use materials more efficiently in shipbuilding and determining the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly fuels for future shipping were the main ideas of this topic. The importance of internationally regulated infrastructure supply was emphasised as a crucial factor for the success of eco-friendly fuels.

 

• Reliability creates competitiveness: The maintenance of the waterway is very important, therefore low water levels of just over two metres can have serious consequences for planning and transport efficiency, with additional journey time, more fuel consumption. Based on common trade interests and the European goal of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transport network, the cooperation of all Danube countries is essential for the sustainable modernisation of infrastructure and ship technology. The most important goal is to guarantee a water depth of at least 2.5 metres on at least 200 days a year.

 

• Development all along the line: The Romanian National Company for the Management of Inland Waterways (ACN) and the Romanian Waterways Administration (AFDJ) provided updates on the renovations and improvements made at the locks of Cernavoda, Agigea, Ovidiu, and Navodari, as well as the berths at the ports of Basarabi and Medgidia. They also mentioned ongoing maintenance activities on the Bulgarian-Romanian section of the Danube. In addition to these efforts, there are plans to expand and enhance the information infrastructure and surveying equipment through projects like DISMAR and FAIRway Danube II. These initiatives will focus on the Danube and receive international and EU co-financing.

 

• Transport transition as an opportunity for renewal: The Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company (UDSC) considers the shift towards waterway transport as a rebirth. Ukraine’s waterway infrastructure has not been updated since the Soviet era, and most of the fleet is from the 1960s and 1970s. This issue is being addressed in collaboration with shipbuilding companies like Österreichische Schiffswerften AG (ÖSWAG). There is great potential for grain exports on the Danube, which has always been a lucrative category for inland waterway transport. Offering incentives and a diverse range of services that highlight the advantages of inland shipping and the transition to it could contribute to its development.

 

The 6th Danube Business Talks once again clearly pointed out what the Danube must be about: close cooperation. Upgrading mooring places and improving energy supply are crucial for inland navigation to remain competitive in Europe’s transport transition towards sustainable solutions. The recent projects like the “Industrie Port” Würzburg and FAIRway Danube II highlight the importance of close cooperation and common standards for the digitalisation of waterways.

 

More details about the event are available here.

 

Photo: © viadonau/Zinner

In a special event with Austria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its National Bank, wiiw focused on the Danube Region’s challenges and potential. Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister Dumitru Alaiba laid out the country’s astonishing development and potential despite the war in neighbouring Ukraine.

 

On 13 May, the Spring Seminar 2024 of the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies took place under the title ‘Danube Region in Transition Mode, Again’ and was co-organised by Austria’s Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs and Austria’s National Bank (OeNB). The event was hosted under the auspices of Austria’s 2024 presidency of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region.

 

In their welcome addresses, Thomas Steiner (Executive Director, Austrian National Bank), Martin Eichtinger (Special Envoy and Coordinator for Neighbourhood Policy and the Foreign Policy Dimension of the Danube Region, Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of Austria), Hannes Swoboda (President, Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies – wiiw), and Robert Stehrer (Scientific Director, Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies – wiiw) highlighted the importance of transnational cooperation in the Danube Region.

 

Dumitru Alaiba, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Digitalisation of the Republic of Moldova, delivered an inspiring keynote on Moldova’s astonishing economic development and potential in sectors such as IT, industry, and agriculture, despite the country being directly affected by the war in neighbouring Ukraine.

 

Experts from various fields discussed ongoing transition processes in the Danube Region and identified related opportunities and challenges. The Danube Region Strategy was highlighted as an important instrument for utilising potential opportunities and tackling common challenges. During the panel discussions, the future of European integration and the energy transition in the Danube Region were discussed.

 

In addition, representatives of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) Priority Area 9 ‘People & Skills’ presented the Danube Region Monitor, developed in collaboration with the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies. The Danube Region Monitor serves as an indicator-based tool to analyse developments in education and labour markets in the Danube Region and to inform decision-makers and interested stakeholders.

 

You can find more information on the seminar program at: Spring Seminar 2024: Danube Region in Transition Mode, Again (event) (wiiw.ac.at)

 

Photo: © Danube Strategy Point

 

On Tuesday, 9 April 2024, international experts and decision-makers joined the 3^rd edition of the EUSDR Austrian National Participation Day entitled Waters 2040: Climate Change and Resilient Water Management in the Danube Catchment.

The event was organised by Foster Europe Foundation for Strong European Regions, in collaboration with the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, the BOKU Doctoral School Human Rivers, the Danube Civil Society Forum and the EUSDR Priority Area 10 – Institutional Capacity and Cooperation, under the auspices of the Austrian EUSDR Presidency 2024.

As the conference aimed to outline and formulate knowledge-based political, administrative, economic and social issues, demands and/or challenges connected to changes in the Water Circle and Water Management in the Danube catchment by 2040, the programme consisted of four key areas involving water management:

• Extreme Hazard and Climate Change
• Biodiversity Crisis & Challenges in Water Quality
• Energy & Transport
• Co-creation, Co-design and Citizen Science

The event delved into various crucial aspects of water management, including cross-priority areas discussions on floods and droughts and their effects on inland water transportation, sustainable energy, water quality, environmental risks, biodiversity, ecosystems, collaboration among relevant institutions, and engagement of citizens.

The collaboration between various stakeholders and the allocation of sufficient resources, along with political backing and effective empowerment, can help prevent the potential hazards arising from droughts and floods caused by ongoing climate change. By implementing the solutions proposed by experts, the Danube Region’s cooperative initiative can play a significant role in formulating a unified and sustainable approach towards water management.

Following the open discussions and opinion exchange, significant findings emerged emphasising the necessity for societies in the Danube River Basin to effectively handle and harmonise potential water conflicting requirements. Additionally, the EUSDR must establish and plan for its involvement in these procedures. Fresh methods to mitigate the impacts of floods and ensure equitable allocation of water during scarcity periods have to be negotiated at the local, regional, national, and transnational levels. It is imperative that directly affected stakeholders, scientific communities, and civil society actively participate in employing co-creation and co-design methodologies to shape future strategies.

 

The experts made recommendations on each key area included in the agenda:

 

Extreme events and climate change

• Expansion of integrated flood and drought risk management
• Improving and implementing spatial planning regulations to minimise damage where these do not yet exist
• Prioritisation of near-natural solutions over purely technical measures, of non-structural flood protection (adaptation of use) over structural flood protection (structural measures)
• Improving water retention and groundwater recharge through river renaturation to improve the situation during floods and droughts
• Protection and restoration of floodplains as a win-win-win measure to counteract the decline in biodiversity and soil loss while reducing the risk of flooding and drought
• Development of blue-green infrastructures as adaptation measures to climate change in the urban environment
• Biodiversity and water quality

 

Implementation of near-natural solutions in catchment areas and river landscapes

• Restoring habitats and restoring ecological connectivity through near-natural measures and technical innovations throughout the entire watercourse network
• Reducing soil erosion and nutrient transport through best agricultural practices
• Utilise innovative monitoring approaches and in-situ monitoring sites to develop targeted management measures for surface and groundwater systems
• Implementation of integrated river basin management plans and comprehensive programmes of measures
• Extension of the integrative river basin management plans and comprehensive programmes of measures

 

Energy industry and shipping

• Implementation of measures and technologies (e.g. optimised hydropower types) to improve hydropower and ecology: reduction of reservoir sedimentation, improvement of sediment continuity, restoration of watercourse sections, reduction of flood risk, increased safety of facilities, reduction of the effects of residual water or hydropeaking, etc.
• Developing new approaches to assessing sustainable hydropower potential
• Ensuring energy security in connection with wind energy and photovoltaics
• Improving fairway conditions through joint navigation and ecological measures throughout the Danube waterway network
• Further development of the Danube waterway through the use of innovative groynes, flexible infrastructure, river information services and river restoration wherever possible
• Implementation of mitigation measures, such as wave-protecting structures to minimise the negative impact of ship-induced waves on aquatic ecosystems or innovative ship types

 

Co-creation, co-design and citizen science

• Development of co-creation and co-design methods that are applicable for practical, cross-sectoral use and decision-making
• Apply co-creation and co-design methods to all major projects in the Danube Region to raise people’s awareness, develop better solutions and gain acceptance
• Creation and provision of citizen science tools for interested and affected people along the Danube and its tributaries to collect data, achieve participation and take responsibility
• Linking technical, natural and social science methods to improve the opportunities for citizen participation and its success in projects
• Promote collaboration and dialogue between stakeholders in hydropower, navigation, natural hazard management and agriculture, as well as organisations involved in nature conservation and restoration

 

Making Waters 2040 a reality

Given these recommendations, the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) aims to enhance the current cross-border dialogue with the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR), the Danube Commission, and the Sava Commission at various levels and with diverse stakeholders. The objective is to establish a comprehensive action framework that considers all stages of implementation. Over the upcoming years, science, politics, administration, civil society, and business are expected to collaborate closely with the river commissions and the EUSDR to formulate strategies and nature-based solutions through a “Danube Restoration Action Plan”. The primary focus is on merging utilisation and conservation (e.g., within the Horizon Europe Mission project DANUBE4all, visit https://www.danube4allproject.eu/). The organisers from the scientific and civil society sectors offer their support to the EUSDR for the implementation of these recommendations.

***

The National Participation Days in the Danube Region Strategy (EUSDR) participating countries aim at strengthening trust between public authorities and civil society towards better cooperation for the well-being of people living in the Danube Region.

 

 

Photo: © BOKU/ Christoph Gruber

On April 4, 2024, transport ministers of the Danube Region got together for an informal exchange in the framework of the Connecting Europe Days in Brussels to sign the Ministerial Conclusions.

 

The Danube plays a crucial role in the European transport network. It is a vital link that has not only proven to be extremely resilient during the Covid-19 pandemic but has also been an essential part of the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Routes since 2022. Shipping on the Danube is heavily dependent on good infrastructure to fulfil important functions in the European transport system.

 

The transport ministers of the Danube countries have reaffirmed their commitment to improving the framework conditions for Danube navigation, particularly regarding the effective rehabilitation and maintenance of the waterway infrastructure on the Danube and its navigable tributaries. Among other things, the conclusions emphasise the importance of the Rhine-Danube core network corridor and Danube navigation for European transport. The “good navigable status” of the Danube and its tributaries must be maintained and at the same time the relevant environmental regulations (compliance with environmental and nature conservation standards) must be observed.

 

Despite the progress made in implementing the master plan for the rehabilitation and maintenance of the Danube infrastructure, there are still challenges that need to be overcome. The transport ministers emphasise the need for measures beyond 2024 to improve fairway conditions. They underline the importance of sufficient national financial resources and call on all countries along the Danube to form interdisciplinary teams to develop nature-based solutions for the rehabilitation and maintenance of the Danube and its tributaries.

 

Read a more detailed summary of the Danube ministerial conclusion.

 

Further information on the informal meeting of EU transport ministers (e.g. press kit, videos) can be found here.

 

 

Photo: © Belgian EU Presidency / Connecting Europe Days

On 18 – 19 March, the 9th EUSDR Speakers Conference took place in Vienna, chaired by the President of the Austrian National Council, Mr. Wolfgang Sobotka. The Conference, which focused on three topics – security, education for democracy and the Danube Region as a cultural, natural and science area – highlighted the parliamentary dimension of the Danube Region Strategy during the Austrian EUSDR Presidency.

 

The Speakers of Parliament, amongst them the Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Dr. Ruslan Stefanchuk, underlined the values of the EU and the EUSDR countries of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

 

They condemned in a joint statement the ongoing Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, supported efforts towards achieving a just peace, stability, recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine and providing assistance to the Republic of Moldova, and welcomed the decision to start EU accession talks with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova as well as the European Commission’s recommendation to open accession negotiations with Bosnia-Hercegovina.

 

Furthermore, the Speakers of Parliament encouraged all cooperation possibilities to support their accession processes to the EU within the EUSDR, underlining the role of the EUSDR as an important asset of the EU enlargement process. Finally, they encouraged enhanced cooperation and regional consciousness within the EUSDR, rooted in the common history, close cultural ties and shared interests.

 

 

Photo: © Parliamentary Administration (Parlamentsdirektion)/Johannes Zinner

The 26th Ordinary Session of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) took place between 12 and 13 December 2023 at the United Nations Organisation, Vienna. One of the main topics of the annual conference was the report on the numerous collaborations between the ICPDR and the EUSDR.

 

Roland Arbter, one of two national EUSDR coordinators in Austria and a representative of the Austrian EUSDR Presidency, detailed upon the Austrian Presidency program and emphasized in particular the importance of the governance framework for cooperation of the ICPDR for the Danube Region and the Danube Region Strategy. The Austrian EUSDR Presidency aims to strengthen the role of EUSDR for cooperation activities of important international organizations in the Danube Region.

 

In addition to the presentations of the progress reports of various expert groups, the EUSDR Priority Areas (Priority Area 1a – Waterways Mobility, Priority Area 4 – Water Quality, Priority Area 5 – Environmental Risks and Priority Area 6 – Biodiversity) also presented current activities, projects and objectives. A number of projects with ICPDR participation were also presented, including the Horizon 2020 project Myriad-EU, which aims to achieve a paradigm shift in the assessment and management of risks through cross-risk and cross-sector, systemic risk management. Such forward-looking projects support the initiation of processes with regard to future prospects in the Danube Region.

 

Close cooperation with the ICPDR, with its experience and mandate in water management, is very important for the EUSDR. The ICPDR and the EUSDR have continuously coordinated their activities in order to use synergies and to support all initiatives for the protection and conservation of the interconnected Danube macro-region.

 

During the meeting, Birgit Vogel, Executive Secretary of ICPDR, highlighted the central role of cooperation between the ICPDR and the EU Strategy for the Danube Region in achieving the goal of making the waters of the Danube basin cleaner, healthier and safer. She also announced the presentation of the updated version of the 2007 Joint Statement on Guiding Principles for the Development of Inland Navigation and Environmental Protection in the Danube River Basin. This important update will be presented under the auspices of the Austrian EUSDR Presidency and marks an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to reconcile the development of navigation with environmental protection in the region.

 

More information on the ICPDR and EUSDR can be found at: https://www.icpdr.org/about-icpdr/partners/eu-danube-strategy

 

More detailed information on the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River and its initiatives can be found at: www.icpdr.org

 

Photos: ©  Claudia Schaefers (left) & © ICPDR (right)

The Danube Tech Summit took place in Vienna on December 12, 2023. It was organised and opened by the NGO GLOBSEC – A global think tank. According to GLOBSEC, the new annual event for the Danube Region’s strategic innovation area aims to promote knowledge exchange and network building between businesses, policymakers, educational institutions and civil society organizations, fostering collaboration, trust and innovation within the Danube Valley.

 

The summit’s main objective is to establish a conducive atmosphere for progress and advancement within the region. It emphasised the significance of innovation, collaboration between the public and private sectors, and solidarity among the Danube countries to enhance economic prosperity and social cohesion.

 

Keynote speeches were held by Hamead Ahrary (Head of the new hydrogen division at VERBUND AG) on the security of supply of green hydrogen for European industry and Martin Kocher, Austrian Federal Minister of Labor and Economy, who highlighted the Danube Region’s ambition to become a major player in the tech ecosystem. He emphasised the importance of unity, borderless cooperation and a regional vision for success.

 

In the morning two workshop sessions took place. In Workshop 1, the importance of digital progress and innovative solutions in the areas of energy storage, smart grid technology and digital contributions such as AI-powered systems were highlighted as crucial to ensuring a stable and sustainable energy future. Workshop 2 highlighted the potential for growth and collaboration, including for companies within the spin-off ecosystem in the Danube Region for a greener future.

 

This was followed by two dialogue sessions. Results of the session “Enhancing Access to Finance and Nurturing Innovation Across the Danube Region”: The Danube Region is striving to become an innovation centre. This can be achieved, among other things, by establishing a technical university as a lighthouse project to strengthen local cooperation. Challenges in the start-up scene also need to be overcome. Harald Stranzl, the Austrian National Coordinator for the EUSDR, took part in the second dialogue session that focused on the potential of cooperation between start-ups and established entrepreneurs in the Danube Region.

 

Underscored was placed on regional collaboration, talent retention, and addressing skills shortages to foster innovation and prioritise security stability and resource enhancement.

 

In the afternoon two panel discussions took place. In panel discussion 1 “Transforming the Danube Region Into the New European Innovation Hot Spot”, it was noted that there is a gap in regional policy in the Danube Region. Strengthening regional policy, fostering personal relationships and measures to promote cooperation are essential for the region’s development into a hub for technology, finance and human resources. Panel discussion 2 “Danube Dynamics: Navigating the Innovation Currents for a Thriving Ecosystem” highlighted the collaboration between start-ups and experienced entrepreneurs in the Danube Valley’s emerging innovation ecosystem. The Danube region needs to overcome challenges such as capital gaps and technology transfer barriers through increased investment to strengthen the dynamic ecosystem.

 

The event was rounded off with the opportunity for extensive networking.

 

You can learn more information about Globsec and a more detailed Summary of the Danube Tech Valley Summit.

 

Photo: © Globsec

From 26 to 29 November, 2023, the 27th International Danube Navigation & Tourism Conference took place in Linz (Austria) focusing on the motto “New Times. Sustainability changes Danube cruises“. Being a key event in the EUSDR Presidency Program, the conference counted 290 international participants with active participation of EUSDR stakeholders (National Coordinator, Priority Area 3, Priority Area 1a). The conference format, which brings together tourism experts and providers from the land side regularly to discuss current challenges with representatives from the inland waterway and river side and then to tackle them together, is unique in the world.

 

The Danube Region is a key region for solidarity and an example of successful European integration. Moreover, the cultural and natural heritage the region offers must be used in the best possible and sustainable way in the cross-border development of Danube cruise tourism.

 

River cruises are an important tourism factor. As the aim is to extend land stays to create more sustainable tourism value, aspects of the Austrian EUSDR Presidency thematic priority “Promoting economic opportunities in the Danube region” were addressed. In addition, the conference focused on another thematic priority “Green Transition Management”, in particular through the transition of Danube shipping towards greater sustainability and the associated opportunities for the shipping industry. Starting with 2024, 100% green shore power will be available at the landing stages for cabin ships, initially in Upper Austria and gradually also in Lower Austria and Vienna.

 

The event was a great success in terms of networking between industry representatives. Participants were encouraged to actively use the EUSDR as a framework for cross-sector cooperation and continuous collaboration.

 

Presentations available here.

 

A summary in German and the documents of the press conference of the 27th International Danube Navigation and Tourism Conference can be downloaded at: 27. Internationale Donauschifffahrts- & Tourismuskonferenz (donauregion.at)

 

Photo: © WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH-Andreas Maringer

On Wednesday, November 8th, an awareness-raising conference was held at the European Parliament in Brussels to mark the start of the Austrian Presidency of the EU’s macro-regional Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR). Austria took over the role from Slovenia on November 1st 2023.

 

The event was organised by the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs in cooperation with Austrian Members of the EU Parliament. Members of the European Parliament in particular from the Danube Region, Brussels-based diplomats from European countries and relevant stakeholders including the European Commission participated in the networking event.

 

Its purpose was to provide an insight into the priorities of Austria’s presidency programme and to invite the audience to participate in the Presidency activities and actively contribute to shaping the Danube Region’s future. The importance of the parliamentary dimension of EUSDR was highlighted by several participants, as well as topics evolving around green transition, civil society, culture, business opportunities, and giving a voice to the youth of the region.

 

Director Slawomir Tokarski from DG REGIO provided the perspective of the European Commission. Ambassador Dr Harald Stranzl, National Coordinator of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region at the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, gave a brief overview of the upcoming Austrian Presidency, emphasizing in particular EUSDR’s role as an instrument for gradually bringing the Western Balkan countries, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova closer to the EU, with the perspective of turning the Danube into a river flowing entirely through the European Union.

 

Please find here some additional information on the conference.

 

Photo: Lukas Mandl