The Austrian EUSDR Presidency invited National Coordinators (NCs) and Priority Area Coordinators (PACs) to a new edition of the Chat with the Presidency. This meeting format provides an open floor for exchange and discussions, with no set agenda.

Priority Area Coordinators used the opportunity to inform the Presidency of upcoming activities. Among many other interesting topics, Priority Area 8 dealing with Competitiveness of Enterprises shared information on an upcoming conference on female entrepreneurship in Zagreb and a study on artificial intelligence and green technology. Deepened cooperation with the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) beyond strictly water-related issues was also discussed, as well as security and cultural events.

The importance of cross-PA cooperation in tackling multifaceted issues has once more been underlined.
The Austrian EUSDR Presidency shared information on upcoming events and activities in the autumn and winter, such as the Priority Area Coordinators Meeting (11-12 September 2024, Neusiedl am See), the Danube Region Business Summit (6 November 2024, Vienna), and the Joint National Coordinators – Priority Area Coordinators Meeting (10-11 December 2024, Vienna), held in cooperation with the ICPDR.

Lastly, the stakeholders also used the meeting to give feedback on the 13th EUSDR Annual Forum. Among others, the close cooperation with PACs in the preparation of the Forum, the Mayors’ Talk, the wide range of side events, and the economic topics covered in the sessions were especially appreciated. The Austrian EUSDR Presidency appreciated the positive feedback on the event organisation.

All participants welcomed the “Chat with the Presidency” as an effective means for informal dialogue and suggested that this format be maintained in the future.