Contribution of the Territorial Cooperation Programmes to the EU Strategy for the Danube Region Kiril Geratliev, Director General “Territorial Cooperation Management”, MRDPW

Introduction Overall objectives of EUSDR Acceleration of the processes of economic and social cohesion, Strengthening and expansion of territorial cooperation in the effective implementation of the principles of EU cohesion policy on macro- regional level. 2

Introduction The strategy should be based on opportunities for development of the potential of the region and applying an integrated approach and comprehensive partnership and territorial cooperation to ensure a positive impact on the development process in the region. In the process of public consultation held in Bulgaria the development of territorial cooperation with the countries of the Danube basin was pointed out as a key element for the realization of the objectives of the EUSDR. 3

Introduction EUSDR aim to enhance the role of: regional and local communities, networks of partner cities and regions and enhancing synergies between different European financial instruments - Structural Funds and "external" instruments (ENPI, IPA) - with a view to better coordination of funds giving the possibility for development of ETC Programmes. 4

Mobilisation of resources to implement the EUSDR Romania – Bulgaria CBC Operational Programme Bulgaria – Serbia IPA CBC Operational Programme South East Europe TNC Operational Programme Black Sea Basin Joint Operational Programme 5

Romania – Bulgaria Cross Border Operational Programme The three Priority axes of the programme totally match the three pillars of the EUSDR; A second call under the Programme for strategic projects was launched. The deadline for submission of project proposals is 14 May Second programme in Europe concerning border length (610 km) of which 470 km is the Danube river; Managing Authority – Ministry of Development, Public Works and Housing, Romania

Strategic projects RO-BG OP Common strategy for the sustainable territorial development of the cross-border area RO – BG Danube WATER integrated management Joint risk management in the Danube border area Rinno – a model for enhancing the benefits of Romania – Bulgaria cross-border region cooperation by using research, development and innovation 7

Bulgaria – Serbia IPA CBC OP The priorities set in the Programme are complementary to the wider priorities for development of the countries forming the border region and the three pillars of the EUSDR. Actions under the Programme support the implementation of coherent strategies, improving governance and introducing integrated approaches in order to promote balanced development of the cross- border region, sustainable communities and social inclusion. 8 Managing Authority – Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, Bulgaria

Bulgaria – Serbia IPA CBC OP “ Assistance for project preparation” – an opportunity for development of projects which can be connected to the pillars of the EUSDR and can be realized on later stages. The indicative spheres for project preparation are: ● pre-feasibility and feasibility studies; ● technical and detailed design works; ● joint cross-border studies for improvement of accessibility; ● environmental impact assessments 9

South East Europe TNC OP Global objective: Improvement of the territorial, economic and social integration process and contribution to cohesion, stability and competitiveness through the development of transnational partnerships and joint actions on matters of strategic importance Synergy between SEE OP and EUSDR can be strengthened by launching call for strategic projects under SEE programme promoting those projects oriented to achieving EUSDR objectives. 10 Managing Authority – National Development Agency, Hungary

SEE projects contributing to the EUSDR DANUBE FLOODRISK Project Partners: central public bodies, universities, research institutes and operational agencies, NGOs from 19 institutions all along the Danube countries, Expected result : proposals for flood mitigation measures, adjustments of spatial development plans, assessment tools for economic development in flood plains and raised awareness of flood risk of stakeholders, politicians, planners and the public. 11

Examples of SEE projects contributing to the EUSDR DANUBEPARKS Project Partnership includes 12 Protected Areas from 8 Danube countries. Objective : to address transnational challenges, implementation of joint conservation strategies, coherent management practice, and a common corporate identity 12

Black Sea Basin JOP Global objective:  Stronger regional partnership and cooperation to promote sustainable economic and social development of the regions of the Black Sea Basin, based on stronger regional partnership and cooperation Priority 1: Supporting cross border partnerships for economic and social development based on common resources Priority 2: Sharing resources and competencies for environmental protection and conservation Priority 3: Supporting cultural and educational initiatives for the establishment of a common cultural environment in the Basin 13 Joint Managing Authority – Ministry of Development, Public Works and Housing, Romania

Territorial cooperation and EUSDR Territorial cooperation has vast and long-lasting experience in this respect and is willing to share the expertise. Territorial cooperation is already exploring and implementing synergies among the cooperation programmes as well as with sectoral, national and regional programmes and initiatives which to be in line with the suggested pillars of the EUSDR. A working community of actors (including Objective 1 and 2) to be created, to be able to share and exchange good practices. 14

Bon voyage !!! 15