Bulgaria: Danube Strategy can aid EU enlargement

The EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) can help countries prepare for EU membership, Bulgaria's presidency of the initiative said in Brussels.

Speaking at a panel discussion, Vyara Mincheva, Bulgaria's national coordinator for the Danube Strategy, said Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Moldova and Ukraine take part in the initiative on an equal footing with EU member states. This allows them to gain practical experience, strengthen partnerships and build the administrative capacity needed before joining the EU.

The discussion took place during the Macro-Regional and Sea Basin Strategies Days 2026, organised by the European Commission.

Mincheva also presented a Bulgarian initiative to strengthen cooperation between the EUSDR and the EU's Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea. The proposal focuses on transport links, environmental protection, logistics, tourism, culture and regional development.

Bulgaria assumed the rotating presidency of the EUSDR on 1 January 2026, marking its second time leading the initiative after 2018. The 12-month presidency runs until 31 December under the motto "Bridging Regions, Building Cohesion: A Stronger Danube for All."

Editor: Diana Tsankova

Edited and posted in English by E. Radkova