PA10 Beginners Guide

A guide to effective and informed engagement in EUSDR Priority Area 10

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Last updated February, 2024

1.1. PA10´s Purpose and Objectives

2.3. Actors and Stakeholders of EUSDR

1.2. PA10 Actions

2.2. The Governance Structure of the EUSDR

2.1. EUSDR - a Brief Intro

3. Resources and Support

MINI TEST

4. Contact Information

Priority Area 10 “Institutional Capacity and Cooperation” (PA10) is one of twelve thematic Priority Areas defined in the Action Plan of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR). Each Priority Area aims at facilitating activities that contribute to the Plans actions in order to improve the quality of life for people living in the Danube Region. Additionally, each Priority Area is part of one of the four Pillars of the EUSDR. PA10 is integrated into Pillar 4: Strengthening the Region. For more information about the structure of the EUSDR please have a look at Chapter 2: EUSDR Governance.

1.1. PA10's purpose and objectives

Welcome to PA10

ACTION 8

ACTION 6

ACTION 2

ACTION 5

ACTION 7

ACTION 1

ACTION 4

ACTION 3

The PA10 actions described on the right are according to the Action Plan (2020) and based on the “Consolidated Input” provided by PACs and NCs, as well as on the additional input provided during consultations between NCs and PACs.

1.2. PA10 Actions

Welcome to PA10

The EUSDR is one of four macro-regional strategies of the European Union. The EUSDR was formally created on 13 April 2011 when the EU Council endorsed the Communication and the accompanying Action Plan of the EUSDR at the General Affairs Council (Council Conclusions). The EUSDR Action Plan was revised in 2019-2020 by the partner countries and approved by the European Commission. There are 14 participating countries in EUSDR: 9 EU countries - Germany (Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg), the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria5 accession countries - Bosnia Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova.

2.1. European Union Strategy for the Danube Region - a Brief Intro

EUSDR Governance

IILLUSTRATION BY THE DANUBE REGION STRATEGY WEBSITE

The governance structure of the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) is characterized by a multi-level and multi-stakeholder approach. The EUSDR operates through various bodies, including the National Coordinators, who are appointed by each participating country to ensure alignment with national priorities. Additionally, Priority Area Coordinators focus on specific thematic areas, fostering collaboration and implementation of projects. The Steering Group provides strategic guidance, while the Danube Transnational Programme serves as an important financial instrument. This inclusive governance model aims to promote sustainable development, economic growth, and environmental protection across the Danube Region, emphasizing the importance of partnership and cooperation among the participating countries and stakeholders.

2.2. The Governance Structure of the EUSDR

EUSDR Governance

IILLUSTRATION BY THE DANUBE STRATEGY POINT,AUGUST 2020LAST UPDATED: NOVEMBER 2023

National Coordinators (NCs)

Presidency

Priority Area Coordinators (PACs)

Steering Groups

2.3. Actors and Stakeholders of EUSDR

EUSDR Governance

Danube Youth Council (DYN)

The Danube Strategy Point (DSP)

The High Level Group (HLG)

2.3. Actors and Stakeholders of EUSDR

EUSDR Governance

The ABC of Macro-Regional Strategies

EU Strategy for the Danube Region Governance Architecture Paper

Action Plan European Union Strategy for the Danube Region

Please follow the links to additional relevant documents related to the workings of PA10 and the EUSDR

Resources and Support

PA 10 Guidelines for the Functioning of the Steering Group

Needs Assessment on the engagement in Steering Groups

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Contact

CITY OF VIENNA

CENTRE FOR EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE

Ms Claudia Singer-Smith Priority Area Coordinator Phone: +43 (0)1 89 08 088 2201 E-mail: claudia.singer@pa10-danube.eu

Ms Simone Boehm-Gartner Phone: +43 (0)1 89 08 088 2202 E-mail: simone.boehm-gartner@pa10-danube.eu

Ms Andreea Prasacu Phone: +43 (0)1 89 08 088 2204 E-mail: andreea.prasacu@pa10-danube.eu

Mr Michal Polak Phone: +43 (0)1 89 08 088 2203 E-mail: michal.polak@pa10-danube.eu

Ms Ana Novak Phone: +386 (0)1 560 86 00 E-mail: ana.novak@cep.si

Mr Jernej Grahor Priority Area Coordinator Phone: +386 (0)1 560 86 03 E-mail: jernej.grahor@cep.si

Mini-Test

Mini-Test

Mini-Test

Mini-Test

Mini-Test

The Danube Strategy Point (DSP) is a strategic unit supporting EUSDR implementation, communication, and capacity building. It aids both decision-makers (NCs) and operational levels (PACs), connecting to EU financial resources and DG REGIO. The DSP facilitates communication among the (Trio) Presidency, EC, NCs, PACs, stakeholders, and the public, ensuring EUSDR's regional and European promotion. It provides technical support, information, and feedback, aligns the Strategy with funding instruments, collaborates with actors, and ensures institutional memory. The DSP contributes to capacity building, conducts cross-reference analyses of PA work, and works closely with the incumbent Presidency.

The Danube Strategy PointDSP

The Steering Groups (SGs) are key decision-makers at the Priority Area (PA) level, guiding objectives, formats, and cooperation emphases. Comprising experts appointed by their governments, SGs work with Priority Area Coordinators (PACs) on day-to-day implementation, providing advice and assistance. SGs represent national authorities, ensuring transparency with PACs.

The Steering Groups

SGs operate transnationally and inter-sectorially, embedding efforts effectively into national contexts. Members are appointed and recalled by their governments, possessing the capability and mandate for Strategy tasks. PACs inform the incumbent Presidency of changes. Observers, including non-ministerial implementers, may attend SG meetings.

To foster cooperation built on mutual trust between state and non-state actors to enhance well-being for the inhabitants of the Danube Region

Action 6

What does it mean? Exchanging successful trust-building initiatives, implementing dialogue platforms, and fostering mutual learning for participatory governance aim to enhance cooperation in Danube Region development. Activities such as Participation Days boost capacities for active involvement in participatory processes.

To test and support innovative funding solutions (for local actors and civil society)

Action 5

What does it mean? Backing the creation and testing of innovative funding instruments tailored to diverse stakeholder needs in the Danube Region is expected to enhance project promoters' capabilities, unlock untapped innovative potential, and introduce them to transnational EU project management. This funding should prioritize facilitating extensive stakeholder involvement in regional development.

The Danube Youth Council of the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) is likely a youth-oriented organization associated with the EUSDR. The EUSDR is a macro-regional strategy of the European Union that aims to promote cooperation among countries along the Danube River. The Youth Council, in this context, would focus on engaging and representing the interests of young people in the region.

Danube Youth CouncilDYN

The EUSDR Presidency rotates yearly among participating states following alphabetical order. The incumbent Presidency coordinates among NCs and PACs, organising key meetings and the Annual Forum. They aim to host a ministerial meeting, aligning sectoral policies, adopting a ministerial declaration for political commitment and strategic guidance at national and European levels, in cooperation with the EC and DSP.

Presidency

The HLG on MRS takes on an advisory role to the European Commission on the coordination and monitoring of MRS. It is composed of official representatives from all EU Member States and the non-EU states which are part of the MRS. The HLG ensures coordination and monitoring across all MRS, assesses progress made in their implementation and may provide policy orientation and strategic guidance. It is the overarching forum where the approaches and practices in each MRS are compared to maximise the leverage and impact.

The High Level Group HLG

To support better coordination of funding

Action 4

What does it mean? Improved program-level coordination enhances positive project outcomes at the macro-regional level. Networks for capitalization and coordination between programs contribute to policy alignment and cooperation mechanisms. This initiative targets barriers to joint planning and programming, particularly between EU and Non-EU EUSDR members. It underscores the need to align project funding with objectives in mandatory plans such as National Air Pollution Control Programmes (NAPCPs) and River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) under the EU acquis.

To strengthen the involvement of civil society and local actors in the Danube Region

Action 7

Mutual learning and capacity building empower both state and non-state actors to collaboratively develop and promote the implementation of the EUSDR's placed-based approach. Emphasis should be placed on youth participation and civic engagement to ensure a long-term perspective on regional development and sustainable democracy.

What does it mean? Civil society organisations, local actors, and public administrations at all levels require enhanced capacities for meaningful participation in multi-level governance. This involves strengthening political capital for transparent decision-making and policy implementation.

The Priority Area Coordinators (PACs) oversee the twelve key sectors of the Danube Strategy, grouped into four Pillars. PACs drive the process, identifying sectors for action and adopting goals to implement improvements. Two or more PACs from different Danube Region states manage each Priority Area, authorised by their respective governments. PA10 finds its counterpart PAC in Slovenia. The list of PACs is approved by the National Coordinators (NCs), who are updated on changes.

Priority Area CoordinatorsPACs

PACs facilitate the Strategy, acting as liaisons between PA groups and coordinating initiatives, stakeholders, and policy processes. They work on implementing PA actions, collaborating with the EC, EU agencies, and stakeholders at various levels. PACs play a transnational, inter-sectorial, and inter-institutional role, acting on behalf of participating states.

To facilitate the administrative cooperation of communities living in border regions

Action 2

What does it mean? Capacity development for top-tier public services, promoting healthy regional development, and fostering trust across borders are vital for ensuring seamless economic, social, and territorial cohesion in the Danube Region. Initiatives such as reducing legal and administrative obstacles and establishing collaborative cross-border public services and governance structures contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of border regions.

National Coordinators (NCs) are pivotal decision-makers for the EUSDR at the national level. Appointed by their governments, they coordinate, guide, and monitor their state´s EUSDR participation, ensuring regular updates to the incumbent Presidency and the European Commission. With support from the Danube Strategy Point (DSP), NCs facilitate coordination within their state, engaging with ministries and organisations to integrate the EUSDR into policies..

National CoordinatorsNCs

NCs monitor the Strategy progress, considering national specificity and receive reports, discussing findings at least annually. They promote EUSDR visibility, engage stakeholders, and encourage alignment of policies and funding. Meetings with Priority Area Coordinators (PACs) occur twice a year.

To review bottlenecks relating to the low absorption rate of EU funds and invest EU

Action 3

What does it mean? Enhancing the capacities of project promoters for improved fund coordination is anticipated to boost the development and implementation of projects. This approach aims to support project capitalization and harness the innovative potential of diverse stakeholders at all levels.

Improved funding coordination empowers project promoters to optimize the use of available funds, particularly for implementing innovative project ideas.

TO IMPROVE INSITUTIONAL CAPACITIES IN ORDER TO PROVIDE HIGH-QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES

Action 1

What does it mean?Improving public services, cutting administrative red tape, and boosting collaboration across governance levels are essential for better policy coordination, mutual learning, and the development of shared standards. This enhances service provision alignment between partner countries, addresses spatial spill-over effects, and promotes knowledge growth.

To enhance capacities of cities and municipalities to facilitate local and regional development

Action 8

What does it mean? Cities, municipalities, and regions play crucial roles in tackling territorial challenges and contributing to regional development. Developing territorial strategies, fostering cooperation, and implementing participatory policies are essential for high-quality regional development is vital.

Consequently, supporting local actors in enhancing capacities for cooperation and service provision in areas such as Roma inclusion, combating human trafficking, spatial planning, and functional regional cooperation is vital.