TAKING A CLOSER LOOK -- FIRST-YEAR REVIEW OF THE DECIDE PROJECT

In January 2025, the DECIDE project entered its second year of implementation. The first year brought significant achievements, and to maintain this momentum, partners were encouraged to reflect on key learnings and outcomes.

For this purpose, the DECIDE First Year Review (FYR) meeting took place on 28 March 2025 in Budapest, hosted by DBH Group. The meeting brought together DECIDE project partners and representatives of the Danube Region Programme.

The DECIDE Steering Committee members and other members of the project team, Copyright: Omnipack

DECIDE project Steering Committee meeting, Copyright: DBH Group

FYR meetings provide the Managing Authority (MA) and Joint Secretariat (JS) of the Danube Region Programme with a direct and detailed insight into the project’s implementation, progress, and challenges. During the review, project partners and MA/JS representatives jointly evaluated the performance of activities, deliverables, and outputs, reviewed financial implementation and reporting, discussed partner engagement and collaboration, addressed challenges encountered along the way and considered measures to ensure the project's timely and smooth delivery.

The day before the review, members of the Steering Committee, along with some associated team members, met to prepare together for the FYR. The partners used this preparatory session to review everything accomplished in the project so far, discuss any challenges encountered, and jointly explore how to move forward—both in group discussions and one-on-one exchanges. The day included presentations, workshops, and networking breaks that provided space for focused conversations and collaborative planning.

Partners prepare for the First Year Review meeting, Copyright: DBH group

Both the Steering Committee Meeting as well as the First Year Review were very successful. With the valuable insights gained and the strong collaboration in the first year, the DECIDE project team is ideally positioned to successfully master the challenges ahead and continue to drive forward the common goals.