On December 10-11, 2024, Vienna hosted the EUSDR Joint Meeting of National Coordinators and Priority Area Coordinators. The event, organized under the Austrian EUSDR Presidency, took place at the Vienna International Centre and Urania Sternwarte. Participants gathered to assess the progress made in 2024 and outline future directions for cooperation in the Danube Region.
The discussions focused on several key areas. First, participants evaluated the Strategy’s achievements and challenges. Then, they explored opportunities to strengthen governance and foster collaboration with the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR). Youth engagement emerged as a core theme, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like the Danube Youth Council (DYC) and the Danube Youth Organisations Network.
Priority Area 3 – Culture and Tourism also contributed actively to the discussions. This highlighted its role in promoting regional identity and sustainable development. By bridging diverse sectors, PA3 demonstrated how culture and tourism can foster stronger community ties and cross-border partnerships.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to reflect on the evolving governance structure of the EUSDR and explore new partnerships for regional cooperation. A significant portion of the discussions was dedicated to improving the implementation of the Strategy, focusing on practical steps that can be taken to ensure its continued success beyond 2024. Participants recognized the importance of strengthening coordination between national and local stakeholders to maximize the impact of joint projects and initiatives. Looking ahead, the integration of innovative solutions and technologies into regional development efforts was highlighted as a key factor in driving the Danube Region’s sustainable growth.
The two-day event concluded with reflections on the Austrian EUSDR Presidency’s achievements and a forward-looking discussion about the Bosnian and Herzegovinian EUSDR Presidency in 2025. Key themes for the future include EU Enlargement, connectivity, green transition, and cultural heritage.
Youth Engagement Highlight: Danube Youth Council’s Participation
Ana-Karina Suditu, representing the Danube Youth Council, participated actively in the meeting and delivered a presentation during the panel on youth activities in the Danube Region. Speaking on behalf of the Council, she highlighted the critical role of youth in shaping macro-regional cooperation and shared insights into the Council’s projects and achievements in 2024.
For over two years, Ana-Karina has been actively involved in Priority Area 3 – Culture and Tourism, contributing to its mission of fostering cultural heritage, sustainable tourism, and community building. By showcasing the work of the Danube Youth Council and her involvement in PA3, Ana-Karina reinforced the value of cross-generational collaboration and inspired continued efforts to ensure that youth voices remain central to the EUSDR’s vision for the future.
