In the framework of Danube Region Strategy (DRS) we should implement programs that deliver tangible results, - Enikő Győri, Minister of State for European Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated following the informal meeting of DRS countries in Austria on October 22.

„Each strategy is worth as much as is implemented. Today we especialy need programs in Europe that demonstrate to our citizens that EU cooperation leads to tangible results,” – Minister of State Enikő Győri declared. She emphasized that Hungary regarded the DRS adopted by the European Union as a means for crisis management and investment policy.

The Hungarian Minister of State told the press that she had asked her Austrian partners not to demand a decrease in the Cohesion Funds for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2014-2020). Net contributor countries in the EU – including Austria – had urged a further reduction of the EU budget, which Minister of State Győri warned „would endanger the implementation of the Danube Region Strategy.” She claimed that it was in the interest of Austria as well to have sufficient cohesion fund resources for the Danube Region Strategy since it was a priority for Austria.

The European Council requested the European Commission to elaborate a strategy for the Danube Region in July 2009. The Strategy was completed and adopted by the European Council during the Hungarian EU Presidency, in the first half of 2011. Sustainable development with resource efficiency and the preservation of natural environment and cultural values is the objective of the DRS. Currently eight EU member states and six non-members take part in the cooperation under the aegis of DRS.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)