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What is the EUSDR?

Please find flyer about the EUSDR at the bottom of the page.

The EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) is a macro-regional strategy adopted by the European Commission in December 2010 and endorsed by the European Council in 2011. The Strategy was jointly developed by the Commission, together with the Danube Region countries and stakeholders, in order to address common challenges together. The Strategy seeks to create synergies and coordination between existing policies and initiatives taking place across the Danube Region.

The Strategy is not about funding, it is about closer cooperation!

The Strategy

The EU Strategy for the Danube Region, endorsed in June 2011 by the European Council, is the second EU macro-regional strategy after the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region.

Background and Objective

In 2009, the European Council formally asked the European Commission to prepare an EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR). “The importance of the Danube Basin for the EU cannot be underestimated. Our policies and the investments we are making in the Basin through the EU’s cohesion policy in particular have an impact on the livelihoods of 20 million citizens. The Danube needs a specific strategy comparable to the strategy we are developing for the Baltic Sea Region. A one-size-fits all approach doesn’t work in an EU of 27 Member States and 271 regions. We need a targeted policy for the Danube that meets its ecological, transport and socio-economic needs,” said Commissioner Hübner on the open day in October 2008.

Milestones

  • 19 June 2009:  The European Council invites the European Commission to develop a strategy for the area around the Danube
  • July 2009-December 2010: Preparation of the Strategy by the European Commission, including public consultation and consultations with participating countries
  • 8 December 2010: European Commission adopts the Action Plan and Communication for the EUSDR
  • 3 February 2011: Commissioner Hahn designates the Prioritiy Area Coordinators
  • 13 April 2011: Adoption of the Council Conclusions by the EU Council for General Affairs
  • 24 June 2011: Official endorsement of the EUSDR by the European Council and launch of the implementation phase

For more information, see the Key Documents section.