The European Union Strategy for Danube Region sets out an action plan for the development of the Region, with an emphasis on better and more intelligent connections for mobility, trade and energy; action on environment and risk management; cooperation on security. The area covered by the Strategy is mainly the basin of the 2.857 km long Danube River. The Danube Region involves 14 countries, 9 of which are EU Member States. This Strategy addresses major challenges which impact the Danube Region adversely, such as: mobility, high energy prices, pollution, natural hazards, socio-economic disparities and crimes, including corruption. Nevertheless, the Danube Region also offers many opportunities due to its rich history, heritage and culture. The action plan aims to connect the Danube Region by improving mobility and multimodality via inland waterways and road, rail and air links, encouraging more sustainable energy, and promoting culture and tourism. Existing transport and trade links will be developed, particularly on the TRACECA transport network connecting the EU through the Black Sea region to the Caucasus and Central Asia. The action plan lays down measures for the protection of the environment in the Danube Region, in accordance with relevant EU legislation and policies. Priority areas include restoring and maintaining the quality of waters, management of environmental risks, and conservation of biodiversity, landscapes and the quality of air and soils. Environmental targets set out in the Danube River Basin Management Plan will be achieved. The nutrient levels in the Danube River will be reduced to allow the recovery of the Black Sea ecosystems to conditions similar to 1960. The Delta management Plan will be completed and adopted by 2013. Danube wide flood risk management plans will be implemented to include significant reduction of flood risk by 2021, also taking into account potential impacts of climate change. Effective management plans will be developed for all Natura 2000 sites. Measures will be taken to secure viable populations of Danube sturgeon species and other indigenous fish species by 2020, combating invasive species. The areas affected by soil erosion will be restored and rehabilitated. In order to build prosperity in the Region, the action plan stresses on the development of the knowledge society through research, education and information technologies, investing in people and skills and supporting the competitiveness of enterprises. Finally, it lays down targets for strengthening the Danube Region, such as strengthened institutional capacity and cooperation and effective cooperation between relevant law enforcement actors to promote security and tackle organised and serious crime.
2010-12-08