Deputy Minister Desislava Georgieva: Strengthening connectivity between the countries of the Danube region is crucial

“We are proud that the dialogue between the countries of the Danube region has not stopped. Today’s meeting is an expression of the highest political will to work closely together even in times of crisis.”

At a time when peace, security, energy and food supplies, overcoming the severe economic consequences and fighting inflation are very much on the agenda, strengthening connectivity between the countries of the Danube region is extremely important, she said.

Deputy Minister Georgieva recalled that the Greece-Bulgaria gas interconnector was put into operation in early October. “This infrastructure gives new perspectives and makes us stronger in terms of energy security”, she underlined. She added that this ensures the diversification of energy resources not only for the Danube countries but also for the whole EU in times of crisis and uncertainty of supply. “We believe that such important and significant projects should be part of the Danube Strategy,” the Regional Deputy Minister added.

Continuing cooperation and strengthening connectivity are among the main tasks in Bulgaria. Desislava Georgieva pointed out that our country is working with Romania to improve it in the region in terms of road and bridge infrastructure along the north-south axis. This is a way to ensure security and supply chains. “Together with Romania, we are also able to secure additional funds for the strategic investments to improve navigation on the Danube in the new joint programme 2021-2027, which will be important for the whole region,” she said.

During the ministerial meeting, the sustainable development of the Danube region, the deepening of cooperation and interaction between the macro-regional strategies of the European Union, the challenges regarding energy, navigation on the Danube and food security were discussed. It took place in the framework of the 11th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, taking place on 19-20 October 2022 in a hybrid format - on-site in Košice, Slovakia, and online.

The plenary session on the first day of the Forum focused on the new challenges facing the Danube region - migration, transport connectivity, energy, the digital transition and food security, including agricultural exports from Ukraine along the so-called “security corridors”. All these require a united response from the countries participating in the Danube Strategy, including by seizing new opportunities to strengthen macro-regional cooperation.

Participants continued discussions on energy security and the sustainable economy of the region, human capital, the labour market and the involvement of young people in the implementation of the strategy’s objectives, as well as the integration of the Danube Strategy objectives into the programmes with European funding for the period 2021-2027.

On the sidelines of the forum, Ukraine handed over the presidency to Slovenia, whose mandate will last until the end of 2023.