Synergy in action: EUSDR and Danube Region Programme

The EU macro-regional strategy and the Danube Region Programme are joining forces for greater regional impact.

The Danube Region Programme is closely linked with the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, sharing the same geographical area and most of its policy objectives. The programme supports the implementation of the Strategy by funding projects and initiatives that address the region's specific challenges identified by the Strategy. The programme also supports its governance and networks. How does it work and what has been already achieved?

EU macro-regional strategies

Macroregional strategies are designed to address common challenges faced by a specific geographical area that includes both EU Member States and neighboring third countries. Supported by the European Structural and Investment Funds, among others, they aim to enhance cooperation within the regions, thereby fostering economic, social, and territorial cohesion.

The strategies help to coordinate joint policies and actions far beyond physical or psychological barriers. A broad range of people works together on thematic platforms and processes to define concrete work plans that ultimately shape cooperation on the ground. As such, they make cooperation meaningful and their macro regions stronger, more resilient and attractive to live in, everywhere and for all.

Four EU macro-regional strategies, encompassing various policies, have been adopted to date, one of which is the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR). The Strategy involves 14 participating countries, including EU Member States like Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia, as well as accession countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, and Ukraine.

Danube Region Strategy and Interreg DRP

The EUSDR, adopted by the European Commission in December 2010 and endorsed by the European Council in 2011, is structured around four main objectives: connecting the region, protecting the environment, building prosperity, and strengthening institutional capacity and security. To meet these objectives, the EUSDR's Action Plan outlines the actions for implementation, organized into 12 priority areas. The overarching goal is to create synergies and coordination between existing policies and initiatives, ensuring that the efforts of individual countries and stakeholders are aligned and mutually reinforcing.

The Interreg Danube Region Programme (DRP) 2021-2027 is fully aligned with the Strategy, reflecting its objectives. The programme provides essential funding for governance and supports projects that implement the EUSDR targets. To support this, a dedicated call for the support of the Strategy's implementation was launched in July 2022. This was followed by the EUSDR Seed Money Facility call, a tool designed to initiate project development within the Strategy's priority areas.

Added value of cooperation - EUSDR brochure (PDF)

Our macroregional impact

Interreg Danube Region Programme continues supporting the implementation of the EUSDR. For a better understanding of the tangible outcomes of this strategic initiative in the previous period, explore these videos highlighting the achievements of projects funded by the Danube Transnational Programme, prepared by the Austrian presidency of the EUSDR.