EU Invests in the Danube Region: Environment, Energy, Development

The EU's macro-regional strategy brings together 14 countries to tackle the challenges of climate change, transport connectivity, and energy security.

The European Union is implementing the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) — one of the most comprehensive macro-regional initiatives, covering 14 countries and more than 115 million people. The main goal is to jointly address transnational challenges in the areas of environment, energy, transport, security, science, culture, and education.

The strategy involves both EU member states (Austria, Germany, Hungary, Romania, etc.) and candidate and neighboring partner countries — including Ukraine, Serbia, Moldova, and Montenegro. Cooperation is structured around four main pillars: connecting the region, protecting the environment, building prosperity, and strengthening institutional capacity.

Priorities: From Clean Water to Geothermal Energy

The focus is on sustainable development. In the environmental sector, the EUSDR supports water resource management in line with the EU Water Framework Directive, covering the Danube, Tisza, and their tributaries. For example, the JOINTISZA project enhances cross-border cooperation in managing flood and drought risks. Another example is the sturgeon conservation initiative, which includes fishing bans and educational campaigns for local fishers.

In the energy sector, the priority is phasing out fossil fuels and developing local alternatives. The DARLINGe geothermal energy project aims to use thermal waters for heating — particularly in Hungary, Romania, Serbia, and Ukraine. This aligns with goals for energy security and reducing CO₂ emissions.

Infrastructure and Mobility: The Danube as a Highway

Special attention is given to inland waterway transport. The Danube has 70 ports, but most require modernization. The DAPhNE project is developing a unified port network that includes advanced logistics services, information systems, and standardized legislation. This opens access to the EU’s TEN-T infrastructure network and creates opportunities for lower-carbon freight transport.

Multimodal transport is also supported, along with the electrification of urban public transport and smart mobility solutions — for example, through the SOLEZ project.

The macro-regional strategy goes beyond engineering. Projects like Donau Lounge and Danube Cultural Cluster promote cultural integration, literary events, exchanges, and support for creative industries. In the scientific field, initiatives include training young professionals in EU project management, forming innovation clusters, and supporting women’s entrepreneurship.

Ukraine participates in most priority areas: including river basin management, sturgeon conservation, port development, green energy, and cultural exchange. Many of these projects are partially funded through INTERREG and the Danube Transnational Programme.

The Danube region is strategically important to the EU in terms of logistics, biodiversity, and climate risks. At the same time, it remains unevenly developed, with environmental threats and risks of isolation. The EUSDR demonstrates how strategic partnerships can ensure effective use of natural resources, development of local communities, and reinforcement of European integration.