Barroso unveils action plan for Danube region

Four main fields of cooperation

The first main axis of cooperation concerns transport and energy infrastructure, mobility and tourism. Attention will be paid to improving railway connections, developing cross-border networks for gas and electricity, and expanding tourism throughout the region.

One of the key aims is to develop the use of the Danube River as a corridor for freight transport and increase the volume of shipping as a way to promote trade.

According to Barroso, "Danube navigation represents only 10% that of the Rhine, so there is much room to make a more optimal use of the river as an inland waterway."

The second field of cooperation relates to improving the quality of the environment. The Commission president noted that the image of the 'Blue Danube' no longer corresponds with reality.

"If we look at the devastating floods in recent years, at the dramatic decrease of fish populations, at the waste water and the nutrient pollution caused by farming, we realise that tackling environmental problems is not a luxury," said Barroso.

The third axis is economic development. Barroso declared that the Action Plan will help the countries of the region "to foster an innovation-friendly environment, focusing on education and research, and backed by entrepreneurship".

Finally, the Action Plan will also focus on improving security and promoting the free movement of persons and goods. "Better structures, better training and closer coordination are key measures which would help make the movement of people and goods easier," said Barroso.

http://www.euractiv.com/en/regional-policy/barroso-unveils-action-plan-danube-region-news-499689