At the invitation of Ms Silvia-Adriana Ţicău, Vice-chair of the European Parliament's TRAN Committee, Dr Uno Silberg participated in an exchange of views on the implementation and future developments of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, held on 18 March in the European Parliament.
The Danube River and its basin are a vital link for European states, both within and outside of the EU, illustrated by the fact that this macro-regional strategy covers 14 countries. Dr Silberg presented to Members of the European Parliament, national coordinators, and representatives of the European Commission and the civil society, the work of the Committee of the Regions on the this particular strategy but also on macro-regional strategies in general.
Dr Silberg emphasised the critical importance of simple and reliable financial support for priority area coordinators and horizontal action leaders, and also the need to clarify governance structures for the strategy and further strengthen the role of the local and regional level. Quoting the position of the Committee of the Regions, he urged the European Commission and the Member States to support the development of innovative governance systems and involve regions, municipalities and European cooperation instruments in real process of co-decision.
Towards the end of the conference, the participants had an opportunity to see several best practices and get acquainted with natural beauties and touristic potential of the Danube delta.
