The Danube Transnational Programme
The most international river basin in the world - Danube today flows through 10 countries, more than any other river in the world. Originating in Germany, the Danube flows southeast for 2,850 km, passing through or bordering Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine before draining into the Black Sea. Its drainage basin extends into nine more countries. Today, 2,415 km of its total length are navigable. The variety of natural environment, the socio-economic differences and cultural diversity of the various parts of the area may be perceived as major challenges but actually represent important opportunities.
Danube Region is home to 115 million inhabitants, almost one fifth of the whole EU. That area is covered by the EU Strategy for the Danube Region implemented since 2011 and Danube Transnational Programme follows this strategy.
It focuses on four thematic priorities and opens calls for proposals related to them:
1. Innovative and socially responsible Danube Region (foster eco-innovation, knowledge transfer, cluster policy, social innovation and skilled entrepreneurship including technological and non-technological innovation aspects);
2. Environment and Culture responsible Danube Region (preserve and manage the diversity of natural and cultural assets, maintain major ecological corridors along river systems, environmental risk prevention and management);
3. Better connected Danube Region (improve regional connectivity to the TEN-T network, environmentally-friendly transport systems, regional energy planning and –coordination);
4. Well governed Danube Region (strengthen multilevel- and transnational governance in areas with major societal challenges, more effective governance of the EUSDR and complex transnational project development).
What does it support? Projects for the development and practical implementation of policy frameworks, tools and services and concrete small-scale pilot investments in the field of innovation, economic development, environment, transport, energy and institutional capacity.
Who can apply? Regional and local authorities, development agencies, universities and research institutes, chambers of commerce, innovation centers.
Financing The total programme budget is EUR 275 million, including the EU support (EUR 231 million) and the national counterpart (EUR 42 million). The EU support comes from three different funds: European Regional Development Fund (EUR 202 million), Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance II (EUR 19 million) and European Neighbourhood Instrument (EUR 10 million). Selected projects are financed up to 85% of their costs.
Since 2014 Danube Transnational Programme has successfully launched three calls for proposals, and more than 100 projects are to be supported. Strengthening the competitiveness of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, tackling demographic change, renewable energy, cultural tourism, waterway infrastructure are only some examples from the wide range of topics tackled by the transnational projects, which are very relevant for Serbia as well.
Projects' success stories watch here