* * * European Union Strategy for the Danube Region * * *
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REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA MINISTER OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS
* * * EUROPEAN UNION STRATEGY FOR THE DANUBE REGION * * *
NATIONAL POSITION OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA ACTION PLAN
Version of October 15, 2010 Note: This version reflects the structure and content of the second draft of the DG “Regional Policy” ACTION PLAN concerning the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region - version of 22 September 2010.
The common aim of the European Commission and the Governments of fourteen European countries along the Danube river is to strengthen cooperation and understanding between citizens of the Region by drafting the EU Danube Strategy with the goal of integrating markets within a Union framework and through cross-border, region-to-region and international cooperation. The Strategy draws on joint approaches, synergies and the more efficient use of existing EU instruments and funds, as well as other resources and financial means. It is in line with and serves the values of the European Union, the fundamental objectives, principles and policies as enshrined in the Treaties. The ‘EU Strategy for the Danube Region’ is described in two documents: (1) a Communication from the European Commission to the other EU Institutions, and (2) an accompanying Action Plan which complements the Communication. The Action Plan is one of the outputs of the Strategy approach. Its aim is to go from ‘words to actions’ by identifying the concrete priorities for the macro-region. Once an action or project is included in the Action Plan, it should be implemented by the countries and stakeholders concerned. The projects are considered to be illustrative, providing examples of types of projects or approaches to be more generally encouraged. The Action Plan should be stable for a certain period of time. However, over the years, the priorities may evolve and hence, the actions and projects may be 2 updated, transformed or replaced. The Action Plan is therefore “rolling”, and will be regularly reviewed. Bulgaria accepts the summary of priority areas and actions, as well as the example projects for realization of the objectives of the Danube Strategy, as described in the draft Action Plan prepared by the EC, which was submitted for the opinion of the parties participating in the Strategy on 02 July 2010. At the bilateral meeting on 15 and 16 July 2010 in Brussels with representatives of DG REGIO, the Bulgarian delegation had the opportunity to present its position on the draft Action Plan under the Danube Strategy and justified the priority projects under the main pillars of the Strategy – connectivity; environment and risk prevention; socio - economic development, human capital, intercultural dialogue, governance and security. The Bulgarian side argues its position important Bulgarian projects proposals to be included as priority areas or example projects. The framework position for the participation of the Republic of Bulgaria in the development and implementation of the EU Strategy for the Development of the Danube Region was approved at the meeting of the Council on European Affairs on 15 February 2010. The Bulgarian contribution was developed and coordinated by the Interagency Working Group, established with Order RD 02-14-2197/15.12.2009 of the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works. A “bottom – up” approach was adopted in conducting a series of consultations and discussions with representatives of local authorities, businesses, academia and civil society organizations. On the meeting of the Interdepartmental Working Group for the development of a national position on the participation of Bulgaria in the EU Danube Strategy held on 1 July 2010, different agencies and organizations have submitted their final positions regarding Bulgarian priorities and projects under the four pillars of the Strategy. The Bulgarian position for participation in the Danube Strategy recognizes the vision of the “Europe 2020” strategy, the key European and national policies and development needs of local and regional communities and is based on the principles of cohesion, neighborhood and cooperation. The Strategy and the adopted Action plan will serve as a basis for developing the national strategic reference framework and filling with national operational programs for the next programming period 2014-2020. There will be a set of previously agreed between countries and different stakeholders’ projects of common interest, which will ensure effective and sustainable use of the EU Cohesion Policy funds.
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 2 3 The idea of “Unlocking the Potential” has become the motto of the Bulgarian position. The existing huge potential has to be uncovered, evaluated and released for development. By socio- economic and spatial planning and better management, and with the help of all stakeholders and partners, we seek to breathe new life in that potential, use its energy to achieve our goals and objectives. Our priority areas for the Strategy are: . improving accessibility, transport and communications links along the Danube and leading to and away from it; and also the efficient use of energy resources; . improving water quality, conservation of rich biodiversity, risk prevention and management; . improving the competitiveness of regions through innovation, education, culture, tourism, multicultural dialogue and conservation of regional identity and rich cultural heritage; . improving the system of governance, increasing the administrative capacity and cooperation and facing security issues. Bulgaria accepts the summary of priority areas and actions, as well as the example projects for realization of the objectives of the Danube Strategy, as described in the draft Action Plan prepared by the EC, which was submitted for the opinion of the parties participating in the Strategy on 02 July 2010. At the bilateral meeting with representatives of DG REGIO, the Bulgarian delegation proposed for discussion the following key open issues related to the practical implementation of the Strategy: . taking of harmonizing measures for joint strategic planning by Member States for the next programming period on trans-national basis, which should include developing specific management plans to precede investment projects (along the lines of the format V4 + Bulgaria and Romania, for a complete spatial planning of the territory); . defining projects selection criteria for the implementation of the strategy; . application of mechanisms for joint implementation of infrastructure projects. Bulgaria support the adoption of priority projects facilitating management on trans-national basis, including the development of harmonized procedures in individual countries (e.g., for expropriation of land or for the issuing of building permits, etc.). On individual priority areas and the respective priority axes (11 in total), we have the following comments and opinions to make:
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 3 4 A) “CONNECTING THE DANUBE REGION”:
1) TO IMPROVE MOBILITY AND INTERMODALITY: The Action Plan developed by the Commission includes a variety of aspects for improving accessibility and mobility across the region, such as: organizational issues, general transport needs, spatial planning, living standards, innovation, etc. It has been emphasized that a transport policy relating to water, road and rail transport would allow for the creation of important international relations in the region. In the context of the above activities described in the European Commission’s draft, as regards the development of transport infrastructure, a set of measures has been incorporated in the Bulgarian national position for modernization of railway, road and port infrastructure, construction of bridges and ferry connections, improving navigation systems, functional ties, transport safety and security. These measures have been integrated into complex projects on trans-European transport corridors - № 7, № 4, № 10 and № 9. Priority projects the Bulgarian delegation insist to be included as “Example projects” in the Action Plan are grouped mainly along European transport corridors № 4 and № 7:
Actions in the area of the i nland waterway transport The actions and projects are in line with the goals set forth by the European Action Programme for Inland Waterway Transport (NAIADES).
To improve the infrastructure in the Danube basin and the economic performance of waterway navigation by: a) Completing the implementation of TEN-T Priority Project 18 on time and in an environmentally sustainable way; b) Investing in waterway infrastructure of Danube tributaries and develop the interconnections; c) Modernising the Danube fleet in order to improve environmental and economic performance.
Bulgarian actions on Completing the implementation of TEN-T Priority Project 18 on time and in an environmentally sustainable way are: . Improving navigation in the common Bulgarian-Romanian section of the Danube River from km 530 to km 520 - Batin and from km 576 to km 560 – Belene Project budget: € 138 000 000; Financial sources: - Cohesion Fund – € 117 300 000 Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 4 5
- National co-financing – € 20 700 000
To improve the organisational framework and human rsources for inland waterway navigation in the Danube Region by: a) Coordinating national transport policies in the field of navigation in the Danube basin; b) Developing ports in the Danube river basin into multimodal logistics centres; c) Improving comprehensive waterway management of the Danube and its tributaries; d) Implementing harmonised River Information Services (RIS); e) Investing in education and jobs in the Danube navigation sector;
Bulgarian actions on developing ports in the Danube river basin into multimodal logistics centres are: . Construction of Intermodal Terminal in Ruse: Technical assistance budget: € 1 600 000 Construction indicative budget: € 20 000 000 “ The most efficient way for Port Infrastructure Development is the usage of PPP instruments. That should improve the quality of the services provided in the ports and probably should increase the passengers and freight traffic. Some of the specific results are as follows: . Development and modernization of the port infrastructure, equipment, technology, etc. . Increase of the quality and competitiveness provided . Liberalization of the market . Development of the logistics and intermodal transport” Bulgarian actions on implementing harmonised River Information Services (RIS) are: . Establishment of River Information Services System in the Bulgarian part of Danube River (BulRIS) Project budget: € 15 000 000; Financial sources: - EFRR – € 12 750 000
- National co-financing – € 2 250 000 . „IRIS Europe II-2008-EU-700000-S” – TEN-T Project Project budget: € 11 600 000 . Vessel Traffic Management Information System – Phase 3 Project budget: € 3 850 000; Financial sources:
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 5 6
- Structural funds – € 3 272 500
- National co-financing – € 577 500 . Improvement of the Systems for Navigation and Topo-hydrographic measurements on the Danube River Project budget: € 5 000 000
Actions in the area of the rail, road and air transport To improve access to and connectivity throughout the region by: a) Bringing to completion the TEN-T (rail and road) Priority Projects crossing the Danube Region, overcoming the difficulties and the bottlenecks including environmental, economic and political, particularly in the cross-border sections; b) Enhancing cooperation between air traffic stakeholders in order to prepare a plan to implement shorter plane routes; c) To ensure sustainable metropolitan transport systems and mobility; d) Improving the regional / local cross-border infrastructure and the access to rural areas.
Bulgarian actions on Bringing to completion the TEN-T (rail and road) Priority Projects crossing the Danube Region, overcoming the difficulties and the bottlenecks including environmental, economic and political, particularly in the cross-border sections are: . Construction of a New bridge over the Danube River at Vidin – Calafat This is a part of the TEN-T Priority Project 22 (Pan-European transport corridor № 4): Project budget for the Bulgarian side: € 226 000 000, including: - € 70 000 000 – EU ISPA grant
- € 70 000 000 – EIB loan
- € 5 000 000 – AFD grant
- € 2 045 000 – KfW grant
- € 18 000 000 – KfW loan
- € 60 760 000 – Bulgarian State Budget contribution The Project includes design and construction of a combined (road and rail) bridge with 4 road lanes and a single-track railway line plus bicycle lane. The completion of the entire Project is planned for 2012 . Modernization of Vidin – Sofia railway line:
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 6 7 This is a part of the TEN-T Priority Project 22 (rail) (Pan-European transport corridor № 4): from Nurnberg / Dresden to Constanta and Athens via Prague, Vienna, Budapest and Arad through the whole region: Design of Vidin – Sofia Railway Line Construction - Total indicative budget of the project: € 50 000 000
- Cohesion Fund co-financing (80%) – € 40 000 000 . Modernization of road section (E 79) Vratza – Botevgrad on the spread of Trans- European Transport Network: This is a part of the TEN-T Priority Project 7 (road) (Pan-European transport corridor № 4): This project runs partly in parallel to the Danube in the Eastern part through the motorway PP-7 which connects Budapest to Constanta on the Black Sea and the Greek cities of Thessaloniki, Athens and Igoumenitsa: Project budget: € 85 000 000 Financial sources: - Cohesion Fund – € 68 000 000
- National co-financing – € 17 000 000 Project activities: Modernization of the existing two-band road in four-band road with length 31.5 km between Mezdra and Botevgrad on the way E-79 and the Trans-European Transport Network . Modernization of road section (E 79) Vidin – Montana: This is a part of the TEN-T Priority Project 7 (road) (Pan-European transport corridor № 4): Project budget: € 32 000 000; Financial sources: - Cohesion Fund – € 25 600 000
- National co-financing – € 6 400 000 Project activities: Construction of first-class road with length 20.5 km with new projection between Dimovo – Bela – Ruzhinci on the way E-79 and Corridor IV. . Construction of “Lyulin” motorway (in progress ISPA project): This is a part of the TEN-T Priority Project 7 (road) (Pan-European transport corridor № 4): . Renovation and reconstruction of the Northern Ring Road of Sofia (Northern tangent): This is a part of the Pan-European transport corridor № 4: . Construction of “Struma” motorway: This is a part of the TEN-T Priority Project 7 (road) (Pan-European transport corridor № 4):
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 7 8 . Construction of “Maritsa” motorway: This is a part of the Pan-European transport corridor № 4: . Construction of motorway Sofia - Kalotina – Nis: This is a part of the Pan-European transport corridor № 4: As an important project, whose implementation will create the river-rail-sea connection, we offer to be also included the project: . Restoration of the Ruse – Varna railway line: Total indicative budget of the project: € 300 000 000 This project will establish an effective transport link “River – Railways – Sea” between the Danube Port of Ruse and the Sea Port of Varna. This proposal is in support of the European Commission’s vision of a timely and environmentally friendly finalization of the TEN-T projects and the priority development of transport infrastructure (road and rail) along European transport corridor № 4, as part of the direction Central Europe - Aegean Sea. With the implementation of these projects, issues of common interest will be addressed, including those of businesses, such as providing accessibility on a global scale, both within the macro-region and towards other regions in the EU. The rail link between Bulgaria and Turkey that is currently being upgraded provides new opportunities for inter-modal transport on a wider scale by ensuring integration of the Danube macro-region with emerging markets of goods and raw materials in the Middle East and Central Asia.
Bulgarian actions on improving the regional / local cross-border infrastructure and the access to rural areas are: The regional and local cross border transport links should be reinforced by cross border transport infrastructure (small bridges, crossing points, public transport connection). Bulgarian actions to improve the regional / local cross-border infrastructure: . Reconstruction and modernization of the existing bridge Ruse- Giurgiu; . Construction of new bridge connections over the Danube River: - New Bridge: Silistra – Kalarash;
- New bridge: Oriahovo – Beket: Construction will be funded through the instruments of the Public-Private Partnership
Bulgarian actions to ensure and modernise access to the rural areas are: . Creation of the Danube Panoramic Road: Reconstruction and repair works of the road sections parallel to the river from Vidin to Silistra: Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 8 9
Bulgarian actions to make the cities and villages more bicycle friendly are: . Creation of a bike route and bike lanes along the Danube River from Vidin to Silistra – the Danube Bike Lane (part of the Trans-European Bike Lane along the Danube River.)
2) TO ENCOURAGE MORE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY: Countries of the Danube region have the opportunity to develop a common approach to adequate energy saving through the sharing of best practices for energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources. It is necessary to improve infrastructure, market organization and implementation of energy efficiency. This priority area has to be considered with other policy fields. Indeed, the EU Strategy for the Danube Region has an integrated approach, linking issues that are in reality interrelated (e.g. environment, mobility, economic development, human resource development etc.). Therefore, for the implementation of this Priority Area, it is important that there is a broad consultation of other bodies and institutions representing other policy fields. The implementation of this Priority Area needs in particular to be coordinated with the following: 1.1 ‘to improve accessibility and mobility’ (e.g. regarding hydropower); 3.1 ‘to succeed through knowledge and innovation’ (e.g. regarding the innovations in the field of energy); and 3.2 ‘to support the competitiveness of enterprises in the Single Market (e.g. to commercialise energy, equipment or technologies).
Actions in the area of energy systems Energy infrastructure: “To coordinate the long-term energy policies as well as the national investment strategies (power plants, grids, pipelines, interconnectors, etc.), taking into account the Strategic Environmental Impact Assessments”. a) To develop a joint position of the region regarding the changes which could be introduced in the framework of the TEN-E Policy review and the modalities of the new Energy Security and Infrastructure Instrument, especially regarding the energy infrastructure gaps; b) To ensure that actions are coherent with the general approach of the Energy Community and explore synergies between the Energy Community and the Danube Strategy processes; c) To enforce regional cooperation with a view to develop and implement the North-South gas interconnection projects. d) To develop gas storage capacities.
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 9 10 As regards energy networks and energy efficiency, the Bulgarian position offers a set of measures aimed at achieving regional integration through common transnational energy initiatives (for example the implementation of the project for Nabuko gaspipeline, South Stream, which is to be included as a priority in the Action Plan), development of missing links in the energy system, creating a single regulatory framework, security systems, implementation of new financial models, construction of installations for renewable energy sources (including the effective use of geothermal resources) and implementation of energy efficiency measures. Participation in new schemes for the next programming period of the Eighth Framework Programme (8 IP) ERA NET and ERANET +. Bulgarian actions to enforce regional cooperation with a view to develop and implement the North-South gas interconnection projects are: . Building of pipeline “Bulgaria-Romania”; . Development of gas interconnection Bulgaria-Serbia; . Integration of the energy markets of Bulgaria and Romania Bulgarian actions to develop gas storage capacities are: . Reconstruction of gas depot “Chiren”.
Energy markets: “To establish an integrated and well functioning market for energy”. a) To cooperate to implement the Regional network integration and the New Europe Transmission System (NETS) in line with the feasibility study; b) To build a working relationship with the Central Eastern European Forum for Electricity Market Integration; this could be enlarged to neighbouring countries.
Bulgarian actions to implement the Regional network integration and the New Europe Transmission System (NETS) in line with the feasibility study are: . Construction of electricity interconnector Bulgaria-Romania 400КV . Construction of a new 400kV power line from Maritsa East Substation (Galabovo) to Burgas Substation; . Construction of a new 400kV power line between Plovdiv Substation and Maritsa East Substation (Galabovo), in parallel with the existing Ivan Popov Overhead Power Line (OHL); . Construction of a new 400kV power line between Maritsa East Substation (Galabovo) and Maritsa East 3 TPP, in parallel with the existing Hebros OHL;
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 10 11 . Construction of a new 400kV power line between Maritsa East Substation and Nea Santa Substation (Greece); . Construction of a new 400kV power line between the new Svoboda Substation (Krushari) and the new Vidno Substation
Actions in the area of energy efficiency and renewable energies “To extend the use of biomass (e.g. wood, waste), solar energy, geothermal, hydropower and wind power”; “ To reinforce the Carpathian Convention to share best practices on using biomass for energy purposes”; “ To implement the National Renewable Energy Action Plans and to prepare a Danube Region Renewable Energy Action Plan”: a) To explore the possibility to have an increased energy production originating from local renewable energy sources to increase the energy autonomy; b) To develop a comprehensive action plan for the sustainable development of the hydropower generation potential of the Danube River and its tributaries (e.g. Sava, Tisza and Mura Rivers); c) To develop and set up pre planning mechanism for the allocation of suitable areas for new hydro power projects; d) To promote energy efficiency and use of renewable energy in buildings and heating systems including by renovating district heating and combined heat and power facilities as required by Energy Performance of the Buildings Directive and Renewable Energy Directive. “To encourage the Energy Community members / observers in adopting and implementing the Renewable Energy Directive”; “ To provide local authorities, businesses and citizens in the Danube Region consultative support with issues relating to mitigation of climate change and energy efficiency”.
Bulgarian actions to extend the use of biomass (e.g. wood, waste), solar energy, geothermal, hydropower and wind power are: . Construction and development of plants for renewable energy sources: - Development of a photovoltaic power plant in number of BG Danube river municipalities; - Creation of a demo village with zero energy consumption
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 11 12 Bulgarian actions to provide local authorities, businesses and citizens in the Danube Region consultative support with issues relating to mitigation of climate change and energy efficiency are: . Implementation of innovative geothermal projects; . Developing and implementing a scientific development program for sustainable insulation materials and other measures to improve energy efficiency of buildings. The benefits and added value for Bulgaria and countries of the Danube macro-region from the implementation of these projects will be related to increasing the degree of gasification of the public and industrial sector in the Bulgarian part of Danube macro-region and restricting the use of fossil fuels, and also building infrastructure for transit of gas through Bulgaria to other countries in the macro-region.
3) TO PROMOTE CULTURE AND TOURISM, PEOPLE TO PEOPLE CONTACTS The Danube region is characterized by a great heritage of diverse cultures, religions, ethnic groups, communities and countries. Promotion of intercultural dialogue is the way to tolerant mutual understanding, allowing the European community to be united in its diversity. Tourism and intercultural dialogue will help to accelerate the process of economic and social cohesion of the regions and to develop sustainable partnerships between them. This priority area should be based and be in line with the overall objectives and actions proposed for EU tourism as laid down in the Commission Communication of 30 June 2010. Indeed, the EU Strategy for the Danube Region should be based on an integrated bottom-up approach, linking issues that are in reality inter-related (e.g. sustainable development, economic development, employment, human resource development etc.). Therefore, for the implementation of this Priority Area, it is important that there is a broad consultation of other bodies and institutions representing closely related policy fields.
Actions in the area of cultural heritage “ To enhance cooperation and contacts between people of different origins, to encourage creativity, and provide a driving force for cultural innovation and economic development, based on heritage, traditions and tourism"; "To build on cultural diversity as strength of the Danube region by": a) Protecting the Danube region’s cultural values: cooperation in the protection of values and heritage, joint scientific research, exchange of experiences, courses, conferences, events, traineeships; preservation of military memorial sites; b) Increasing human contacts, promoting inter-cultural dialogue, inter-religious dialogues, language exchanges etc.;
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 12 13 c) Improving conditions for youth exchanges; d) Organising joint (cultural) events, festivals, scholarship programmes; e) Establishing a network of ‘creative forces’ which includes actors in the artistic field. This network can build on the experience of the various festivals in the Danube Region; f) Promoting cultural exchange and exchange in the arts. Cultural activities (e.g. films, documentaries, entertainment games/shows referring to the Danube Region) can contribute significantly to awareness-raising for the Danube Region; g) Supporting contemporary art in the region; h) Supporting modern entertainment enterprise, including contemporary TV, movie, music and interactive games; i) Establishing a data-base gathering data on cultural assets and cultural activities.
A very important priority for Bulgaria is the sustainable development of tourism through effective use of tourism potential and the promotion of intercultural cooperation. This priority includes integrated projects of cross-border and transnational nature, aimed at establishing a common Danube tourism strategy, developing a common tourism market and a range of initiatives to create Danube tourism products in the field of culture, wine, countryside, cruise, spa, wellness, cycling and hiking tourism. This priority also includes a set of projects related to inter-cultural exchanges, innovative cultural networks, the creation and transfer of cultural products and their promotion, enhanced communication skills in an inter-cultural environment, organization of joint cultural events. These projects are based on the understanding that cultural diversity is one of the advantages of the Danube region. Bulgarian actions to enhance cooperation and contacts between people of different origins, to encourage creativity, and provide a driving force for cultural innovation and economic development, based on heritage, traditions and tourism are: . А project called “Along the way of the Romanian Emperors” – for creation of a cross- border product in the area of the cultural tourism. On Bulgarian territory, the product will combine the rich cultural heritage of this epochq as well as the opportunities for SPA tourism. This project would be implemented with Romania, Serbia, Croatia and it is in the framework of the Organization for Black Sea Ecinomic Cooperation. Bulgarian actions to build on cultural diversity as strength of the Danube region are: . А project for carrying out festivals of the different ethnic groups.
Actions in the area of tourism
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 13 14 “To develop the Danube region as a European brand”: a) “To develop a “Danube Region” label”; b) “ Managing tourist destinations jointly” through joint marketing, joint events and internationally recognised quality certification (especially in ecological terms). “To establish the Danube Region as important European tourist destination”; “To improve planning and infrastructure for tourism”; “To promote short-stay weekend tourism and recreation, as well as longer stays”; “To further develop the navigation and port system for Danube river cruise ships and private yachts”; “To promote health and wellness tourism in the Region”; “To further develop and intensify Activity Tourism”; “ To further enhance interconnection and cooperation in education and scientific and research activities for tourism”; “To support the improvement of the quality of tourism products”; “To collect existing data on cultural activities and establishing a comprehensive data base giving an overview of cultural activities in the Danube Region”; “To promote cultural exchange and exchange in the arts”; “To collect existing data on cultural activities and establishing a comprehensive data base giving an overview of cultural activities in the Danube Region”.
EU Strategy for the Danube Region– Key activities for Bulgaria in the field of tourism - Improvement of the planning and infrastructure development for a sustainable tourism; - Development of the Danube Region as a European brand and important tourist destination; - Development of cultural tourism and cultural exchange; - Development of Eco tourism and Activity Tourism. Bulgarian actions for implementation of historical, cultural and natural attractions as valuable part of the specific geographic region, local heritage and identity, as opposed to a separate and isolated site are based on implementing a “LOCAL CULTURAL SYSTEM” - LOCUS: - System based on historical, cultural, ethnical and geographic identities in the different sites = LOCAL ; - Action plan to attract visitors with interests for various cultural resources, with the purpose to enrich their own cultural experiences and needs = CULTURAL;
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 14 15 - Integral combination of resources, organized and interconnected in a general vision of the specific region and its development, as well as the target segment = SYSTEM. . Example: Project LOCUS “Along the Banks of Danube”- Development strategy Presenting the Danube river as a symbol, a regional landmark, a crucial connection between local regions as well as between neighboring countries. By implementing the cultural tourism potential in midterm plan, the goal is to increase the interest from the local, Balkan neighbors, European markets. The specific nature of the borders of the Danube region offer a demand during all the seasons, thus increasing the share of weekend and short trips from and to the neighboring countries. . Example: Project LOCUS “The stony forest” - The midterm plan for the LOCUS development is based on the integration of highly attractive cultural sites, with preserved heritage and the production of traditional arts and crafts; - Policy in offering additional sites and attractions for the purpose of extending the period of stay. . Example: Project LOCUS “The City of Renaissance” - Development strategy The centre of the LOCUS is the ancient capital Veliko Turnovo. A potential for developing a cultural point of Bulgaria and a major European festival centre. The midterm strategic plan is to compliment the cultural heritage attractions with cultural events, combined with SPA tourism and with the traditional sea resorts visits. Bulgarian actions to create an environment for tourism development and effective use of its resources are: - Planning and territorial management; - Development of specialized tourist infrastructure; - Development of general infrastructure.
. Example: The Danube valley in the Bulgarian Tourism Policy. Project for tourism regioning. Main purposes, functions and goals of the Danube tourist region: - Regional marketing and advertising based on the regional identity and complex destination product in order to differentiate the Danube valley on the tourist market and achieving a high level of awareness among the tourists; - Encourage partnership and collaboration on a regional level;
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 15 16 - Monitoring and analysis of the tourist development in the region . Bulgarian actions on stimulating cross border cooperation and implementing the Danube Destination on the tourist market are: - Development of cross border tourist products; - Implementing the Danube destination to 3rd markets; - Applying common marketing in the region.
Bulgarian actions through promoting the cultural heritage, strong cultural exchange and joint marketing activities in implementing the cultural potential for a sustainable development of the local communities and their economy are: - Development of cross border tourism products; - Stimulating cultural exchange; - Implementing a common marketing plan in the region.
. Example: Project “Ancient Roman heritage, wine and SPA transregional cultural tourist products with Serbia, Romania and Croatia” - Creating a common marketing concept: logo, slogan and other symbols identifying the product; - Formulating common standards for the distribution of information for various services; - Implementation of common marketing policy; - Identifying and implementation of various sources for financing from the EU and other funds.
Bulgarian actions on maintaining the strong connection between the environment and tourism and preservation of the natural resources through offering products in the field of Eco tourism in accordance with the modern tendencies and needs on the market are: - Development of cross border tourism products; - Development of specialized infrastructure for Eco tourism, including in protected areas and reservations; - Applying common marketing for the region.
. Example: „The road to the Iron Curtain Trail ” an EU project
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 16 17 - Main goal: developing a route for cycle path tourism throughout the territory of the former Iron Curtain Trail, thus forming an international tourism product; - The strategic goal is for this route to become part of the Euro cycle paths tourism net system; - The economic potential of the cycle path route as part of the Euro cycle paths can generate 850 000 vacational journeys annually, and a profit of over 3 million € from “The road to the Iron Curtain Trail” project.
. Example: Construction of Danube Park Vidin – Calafat.
B) PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE DANUBE REGION
4) RESTORATION AND MAINTENANCE OF WATER QUALITY This priority area has to be considered with other policy fields. Indeed, the EU Strategy for the Danube Region has an integrated approach, linking issues that are in reality interrelated (e.g. environment, mobility, economic development, human resource, development etc.). Therefore, for the implementation of this Priority Area, it is important that there is a broad consultation of other bodies and institutions representing other policy fields.
Actions in the area of restoration and maintenance of water quality: “To implement fully the Danube River Basin Management Plan; "To greatly strengthen cooperation at sub-basin level"; “To continue to invest in and support the information collection systems already developed by ICPDR”; "To continue and boost major investments in building and upgrading urban wastewater treatment facilities across the Danube Basin, including measures to build capacity at the regional and local level for the design of such infrastructure"; "To establish buffer strips along the rivers to retain nutrients and to promote alternative collection and treatment of waste in small rural settlements"; "To foster and develop an active process of dialogue and cooperation between authorities responsible for agriculture and environment to ensure that measures are taken to address agricultural pollution";
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 17 18 "To treat hazardous substances and contaminated sludge with the newest and best available technology and to develop and promote remediation measures for hazardous producing or abandoned industrial sites and waste deposits." "To legislate at the appropriate level to limit the presence of phosphates in detergents"; "To reduce existing continuity interruptions for fish migration in the Danube river basin"; "To promote measures to limit water abstraction" including rehabilitation of water supply systems; "To strengthen general awareness and facilitate exchange of good practice in integrated water management issues in the Danube Basin among decision-makers at all levels and among the population of the Region"; "To promote measures aimed at reducing knowledge deficits, developing and transferring tools, methods and guidelines concerning the safeguarding of drinking water supply"; "To further strengthen Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) practices on the Western shores of the Black Sea.
For the restoration and maintenance of water quality, the position of Bulgaria provides for integrated planning and management of the river area with a set of interventions on infrastructure and technology for environmental protection, such as the construction of sewerage treatment plants, modern waste management, treatment of soil, treatment of water and provision of drinking water supply systems. These measures reflect the needs of modernization of equipment, capacity building and training, supply of technical equipment for effective control of water pollution along the river, integrated water management and a range of projects involving the use of the waters of the Danube River for irrigation and restoring damaged areas and natural landscapes. In accordance with specific needs, the Bulgarian delegation insist the following text to be added in the draft Action Plan: . Implementation of integrated projects to improve drinking water and waste water infrastructure for agglomerations with over 10 000 PE (50 pcs.) and for agglomerations between 2 000 and 10 000 PE (161 pcs.) - Development of a processing and recycling plant for municipal solid waste;
- Construction of municipal solid waste dumps;
- Cleaning of the river beds of the adjacent rivers which flow later into the Danube Area;
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 18 19 The benefits and added value for Bulgaria and countries of the Danube macro-region from the implementation of these projects will be related to achieving a sustainable development of the region, where urban and economic interventions are not at the expense of ecological status.
5) TO MANAGE ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS This priority area has to be considered with other policy fields. Indeed, the EU Strategy for the Danube Region has an integrated approach, linking issues that are in reality inter-related (e.g. environment mobility, economic development, human resource development etc.). Therefore, for the implementation of this Priority Area, it is important that there is a broad consultation of other bodies and institutions representing other policy fields.
Actions in the area of management of environmental risks: "To develop and adopt one single overarching floods management plan at basin level or a set of flood risk management plans coordinated at the level of the international river basin"; “Anticipate regional and local impacts of climate change through research”; "To extend the coverage of the European Floods Alert System (EFAS) system to the whole Danube river basin, to step up preparedness efforts at regional level (including better knowledge of each other's national systems) and to further promote joint responses to natural disasters and to flood events in particular, including early warning systems"; "To strengthen operational cooperation among the emergency response authorities in the Danube countries and to improve the interoperability of the available assets"; "To support wetland and floodplain restoration as an effective mean of enhancing flood protection, and more generally to analyse and identify the best response to flood risk (including "green infrastructure")"; “To develop spatial planning and construction activities in the context of climate change and increased threats of floods”; "To continuously update the existing database of accident risk spots (ARS Inventory), contaminated sites and sites used for the storage of dangerous substances" "To develop rapid response procedures and plans in case of industrial accidental river pollution"
As regards risk prevention, the Bulgarian position provides for both “soft measures” aimed at improving the monitoring and control systems, and for infrastructure components with a protective nature for integrated management and prevention of crises, disasters and accidents. The
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 19 20 aim is to increase the region’s security, limit the consequences of possible crises and maintain the ecological status and natural resources. The Bulgarian delegation proposes the following activity to be added to the activities in the Action Plan: . Protecting the coastal line from erosion The Bulgarian delegation insist the following text to be added in the draft Action Plan: Assessment of flood risk, mapping of Danube regions at flood risk for use by the basin management. For this purpose, the mapping methods and methods of assessing the vulnerability to flooding as developed under project FLOODRISK, applicable throughout the Danube river basin may be used. Bulgarian actions on integrated operational management and prevention of crises, disasters and accidents are: - Creation of revetments, dykes and embankments, strengthening the coastline;
- Efficient management of emergency situations in the cross-border area;
- Cleaning of the river beds of the rivers in the area which flow into the Danube River to prevent the consequences of large volumes of water and reduce industrial pollutants; - Rehabilitation of the irrigation and drainage system in the Danube Area The benefits and added value for Bulgaria and countries of the Danube macro-region from the implementation of these projects will be related to establishing a common system of Early Warning, flood prevention, including simulation models of the damage at critical locations along the river and the creation of a common action plan for floods afflicting a territory of more than one city, municipality or country along the Danube.
6) TO PRESERVE BIODIVERSITY, LANDSCAPES AND THE QUALITY OF AIR AND SOILS The conservation of the exceptional biodiversity in the Danube macro-region as a natural heritage of Europe is an important priority of the Danube Strategy. Its implementation is related to the sustainable management of natural resources and protected areas along the river corridors in countries of South-Еeast Europe and to improving the efficiency and integration of Natura 2000 and Water Framework Directive in the Danube basin countries under the Transnational Programme for South-East Europe. This priority area has to be considered with other policy fields. Indeed, the EU Strategy for the Danube Region has an integrated approach, linking issues that are in reality
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 20 21 interrelated (e.g. environment, mobility, economic development, human resource development etc.). Therefore, for the implementation of this Priority Area, it is important that there is a broad consultation of other bodies and institutions representing other policy fields.
Actions in the area of preservetion of biodiversity, landscapes and the quality of air and soils: "To preserve and maintain biodiversity and landscapes" by: a) Managing protected areas and NATURA 2000 sites effectively; b) Protecting and restoring most valuable ecosystems and endangered animal species; c) Developing green infrastructure in order to connect different bio-geographic regions and habitats; d) Reducing the spread of invasive alien species (IAS); e) Preparing and implementing transnational spatial planning and development policies for functional geographical areas (river basins, mountain ranges etc.). "To maintain and improve the quality of soils" by: a) Ensuring appropriate treatment of solid waste; b) Creating standardized and compatible information on land cover on transnational basis; c) Raising awareness about soil protection. "To improve the quality of air" by: a) Decreasing air pollutants. "To educate people on the value of natural assets, ecosystems and the services they provide" by: a) Raising awareness of the general public, by acknowledging and promoting the potentials of natural assets as drivers of sustainable regional development; b) Educating children and young people; c) Building capacities of local authorities in the environment-related matters.
The priority of preserving biodiversity as laid down in the Bulgarian position contains a set of measures for restoring wetlands along the Danube, mapping of natural habitats and species, limiting the negative impact of invasive species and restoring natural habitats, development and implementation of transnational strategies for the conservation of natural resources of the Danube, to achieve sustainable management of natural resources. Bulgarian actions to manage protected areas effectively are:
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 21 22 . Developing new and updating the existing management plans for protected areas along the Danube and the implementation of activities set out therein; Bulgarian actions to create a management framework for NATURA 2000 sites are: . Building a network of protected Natura 2000 areas and phased development of management plans for protected areas along the Danube; Bulgarian actions to support protection and restoration of most valuable ecosystems and endangered animal species are: . Implementation of activities for endangered animal and plant species occurring along the Danube; . Implementation of projects related to restoration of wetlands along the Danube Bulgarian actions to develop green infrastructure to connect different bio-geographic regions and habitats: . Building the Eco-Corridor Bulgaria - Serbia - Romania for studies, monitoring and analysis of the ecosystem - water and soil, in view of the production of clean food; . Implementation of projects on the rehabilitation of wetlands along the Danube River: - Biodiversity protection and monitoring in Persina Natural Park;
- Afforestation of non-arable land. Bulgarian actions to maintain and improve the quality of soils are: . Improving and strengthening the systems for waste management and for restoration of damaged areas and natural landscapes.
The benefits and added value for Bulgaria and countries of the Danube macro-region from the implementation of these projects will be related to the application of common approaches and mechanisms for environmental management in coastal areas of the Danube, including by developing joint plans; in the building of a common system for monitoring the purity air, water and soil in coastal areas.
C) BUILDING PROSPERITY IN THE DANUBE REGION
7) TO DEVELOP THE KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY THROUGH RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES This priority area has to be considered with other policy fields. Indeed, the EU Strategy for the Danube Region has an integrated approach, linking issues that are in reality interrelated (e.g. environment, mobility, economic development, human resource development etc.). Therefore, for Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 22 23 the implementation of this Priority Area, it is important that there is a broad consultation of other bodies and institutions representing other policy fields.
Actions in the area of development of the knowledge society through research, education and information technologies: “To coordinate better national, regional and EU funds to stimulate excellence in research and development, in research areas specific for the Danube Region”; "To strengthen the capacities of research infrastructure"; "To strengthen cooperation among universities and research facilities and to upgrade research and education outcomes by focusing on unique selling points." "To develop and implement strategies to improve the provision and uptake of Information and Communication Technologies in the Danube Region." “To draw up internet strategies"; "To use e-content to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public and private services"; “ To stimulate the emergence of innovative ideas for products and services and their wide validation in the field of the Information Society, using the concept of Living Labs". Implementation of transnational initiatives to support innovation is another key priority in the Bulgarian position. The priority aims at strengthening transnational research and scientific exchange, creation and development of research centers and programs to support projects of cooperation between higher schools, vocational schools and others in the European context, and improving interaction between educational institutions, research and innovation centers, networks and partnerships and promotion of public - private partnerships. The Bulgarian delegation support the following text to be added in the draft Action Plan: Strengthening transnational academic, research and scientific exchange through networking between existing regional universities, research institutes, research centers and business representatives. A specific Bulgarian initiative is the "Bulgaria supports the establishment of a Danube Research Fund as proposed in the Action plan. However, the possibility of a financial contribution by the European Commission under Art.185 of the Lisbon treaty could be further explored".Benefits and added value for Bulgaria and countries of the Danube macro-region: development and innovation activities which in the long term should ensure the competitiveness of the Danube region, establishing the Danube Research Area, accelerating the process of economic and social cohesion of regions through the development of sustainable partnerships between them.
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 23 24 8) TO SUPPORT THE COMPETITIVENESS OF ENTERPRISES The Danube region offers a great potential for future growth and economic integration, should arrangements for joint business across borders be simplified. Cooperation in the region is to be supported both at economic and political level to overcome the biggest challenge - the differing levels of competitiveness and the various conditions for companies in the region.
Actions to support the competitiveness of enterprises: "To foster cooperation and exchange of knowledge between SMEs, academia and the public sector in areas of competence in the Danube Region." "To improve business support services to strengthen the skills of SMEs for cooperation and trade." "To support enterprises through high performing training and qualification schemes"; "To prioritise the effective implementation of measures provided for under the Small Business Act for Europe"; "To improve the competitiveness of rural areas and in particular of the agricultural sector"; "To eliminate cross border barriers and bottlenecks to people and business – Seamless Europe for a livable Danube region".
The priority of promoting the competitiveness of enterprises and the Common Market in the Bulgarian position includes initiatives to support entrepreneurship, capacity building for implementation of effective financial and investment policy at the local level, promoting business cooperation and development of small and medium businesses and development of projects for building of industrial and technological parks, transportation and logistics and exhibition centers. The Bulgarian delegation insist the following text to be added in the draft Action Plan: Construction of industrial and technological parks as well transportation, logistics and exhibition centers: The rationale is based on an expected overcoming of interregional differences in the context of the macroeconomic framework of the Danube area, by supporting entrepreneurship, improving the capacity for conducting efficient financial and investment policies at local level and initiatives stimulating cooperation and development of small and medium businesses.
9) TO INVEST IN PEOPLE AND SKILLS
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 24 25 It is necessary to support the exchange of labor, research networks and students, and to promote recognition of diplomas and qualifications. Furthermore, it is necessary to develop common strategies for migratory waves and achieve maximum integration of the Western Balkans. Knowledge and innovation as engines for future growth require maximum use of information and communication technologies which will transform innovative ideas into concrete new products and services. Information society is not well developed in the countries of the Danube region in comparison with other EU countries. The actions proposed here are in line with several pillars of the Digital Agenda for Europe especially pillars № 4 on „Fast and ultra fast Internet access”, № 5 on „Research and Innovation”, №6 „Digital literacy, skills and inclusion” and № 7 on „ICT-enabled benefits for the EU society”. They succeed if a reliable fast, even ultra fast, broadband infrastructure is available and accessible by all actors in the Region, whether industry, public services, consumers or citizens. This infrastructure, which will also benefit actions listed elsewhere in this document, should make use of up-to-date technologies such as the Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology that will together allow for deployment of the emerging Internet of Things (IoT) which will enable person-toobject and object-to-object communication towards improved quality of life and enhanced productivity. The Danube region is characterized by many different ethnic groups, 80% of the Roma currently live in the Danube region. An equally important factor is the socio-economic exclusion and spatial segregation. Therefore, there is a huge need for policy coordination at all levels (national, regional) in the field of education, employment, health and others. Countries of the Danube region have the opportunity to work together and share experiences and best practices in this area.
Actions to invest in people and skills: "To enhance performance of education systems through closer cooperation of education institutions, systems and policies"; "To foster cooperation between key stakeholders of labour market, education and research policies in order to develop learning regions and environments"; "To support creativity and entrepreneurship"; "To support the mobility of workers, researchers and students through implementing the European Qualification Framework; "To jointly analyse implementation gaps in life long learning (LLL) policies and exchange best practices in implementation";
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 25 26 "To improve cross-sector policy coordination to address demographic and migration challenges"; "To fight poverty and social exclusion of marginalised communities in the Danube Region." "To implement the actions undertaken in the Roma Decade and to establish further actions to be implemented".
The Bulgarian delegation offers the following text to be added to Action Plan: Developing the research capacity of the Region to support the initiative of leading markets, with a focus on building skills in the fields of ICT and eco-technology.
Under human resource development, the Bulgarian position provides for the development of multidisciplinary projects and marketing projects for the labor market and student mobility; initiatives for increasing the capacity of municipal and regional administrations and NGOs in relation to the sustainable development of the region. In this context, human resources development is based on partnership and knowledge transfer and best practices. We offer that the Plan should focus on: . Improving the quality of education, meeting the demand of the labor market, creating opportunities for training and conditions for development of applied research and scientific activities to transfer knowledge and know-how; . Improving opportunities for education, retraining and lifelong learning across the region, with emphasis on the conservation and development of natural and cultural heritage of the Danube region.
The position of Bulgaria under the priority of “building a region of social inclusion” is that it should not be regarded as a separate priority, but should be integrated into other priorities as a horizontal measure. Social inclusion and integration of the Roma and other minorities should not be treated separately from all priority actions for economic and social development of the region.
D) STRENGTHENING THE DANUBE REGION
10) TO BUILD UP INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY AND COOPERATION
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 26 27 The Danube region is characterized by different, stronger or weaker traditions in the field of law, transparency, democracy, market economy and political stability, as well as by varying degrees of decentralization. Better governance is an important factor for implementation of the above priorities. This is the main challenge for the preparation and implementation of the Strategy. Good governance can be achieved by improving institutional capacity and governance mechanisms and procedures, including their harmonization at the level of implementation of major projects of mutual interest. The measures identified in this area are related to enhancing administrative capacity, optimizing governance practices, transnational cooperation at the administrative level, attracting the non- government sector as a guarantor of civil society participation. Given the nature and specificity of the Danube Strategy and its objectives, here are also included projects aimed at enhancing the role of the regional and local community, strengthening the networks of partner cities and regions and enhancing the synergies between “domestic” European financial instruments such as the Structural Funds and JASPERS, on the one hand, and external tools, such as neighborhood (ENPI) and the single Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA). Interaction with inter-regional organizations such as the Work Community “Danube Countries”, the Assembly of European Regions, the International Association for Danube Research, the Institute of the Regions of Europe, etc., is a source of significant added value in terms of successful integration of good governance models and practices in the Bulgarian context.
Actions to build up institutional capacity and cooperation "To combat institutional capacity and public service related problems in the Danube region"; "To review responsibilities and tasks of regional and local authorities for better subsidiarity"; "To improve the trust of citizens and stakeholders in political authorities"; "To ensure sufficient information flow and exchange at all levels"; "To facilitate the administrative cooperation of communities living in border regions"; “To transfer knowledge and enhance urban technologies and strategies”; "To review bottlenecks relating to the low absorption rate of EU funds and to ensure better coordination of funding"; "To support the development of local financial instruments"; “To examine the feasibility of a Danube Investment Framework”.
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 27 28 Bulgaria will support and participate in joint initiatives such as the Danube Forum Civil Society, Danube Environmental Forum, Council of Culture Ministers of Southeast Europe, Joint guidelines to improving spatial planning
11) TO WORK TOGETHER TO TACKLE SECURITY AND ORGANISED CRIME Actions to work together to tackle security and organised crime “To support the Danube states in the further development of structures and improvement of qualifications in the domain of police work, justice and home affairs and to enhance cooperation among the administrations of the states participating in the Danube Strategy in the area of legal security and good governance”; "To better target collection and sharing of key criminal information, build a picture of the most significant threats and approve information flows in the participating countries ". “To create well- functioning border-management institution and to equip border crossings with biometric passport readers, CCTV cameras, online interconnections with Interpol databases, night-vision equipment, and infra-red sensors”. “To intensify the prosecution of Internet crime (cybercrime)” To further align, as appropriate, the customs and tax legislation of the countries concerned with the EU acquis and to further strengthen the administrative capacity of the respective administrations”. "To improve the border crossing regimes with non-EU countries”. "To explore possibilities to extend the current pilot project on exchanges of advanced customs information in the Region”. “To address the topic of better managing migration issues in the Danube Region”. “To continue demining in the mine-suspected areas of the Danube area” “To improve food security” “ To establish standardised operational procedures for joint activities in case of transboundary technical-technological water traffic accidents”.
The priority measures, mentioned in the Action plan are acceptable to Bulgaria. Our priorities on this extremely important topic are focused on the following directions and activities: - Further development of structures and improvement of qualifications in the domain of police work, justice and home affairs; - Creation of strong, functioning, well-equipped border-management institutions;
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 28 29 - Equipment of borders and border crossings with biometric passport readers, CCTV cameras, online interconnections with Interpol databases, night-vision equipment, and infra-red sensors”; - Participation and support to cooperation among the administrations of the states in the area of legal security and good governance; - To enhance the administrative capacity in customs administrations; - To improve conditions (tariffs, licensing regulations, timetables and transport routes) for cross-border traffic of passengers and goods; - To introduce uniform quality certification systems and analyse veterinary and public health regulations which prevent free movement of goods and services; - To set up a unified early warning system; - To improve the border crossing regimes with non-EU countries.
Conclusions: Bulgaria’s position will continue to further develop and expand in the course of the preparation and implementation of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region. Bulgaria is open to suggestions by other countries alongside the Danube River banks, and particularly those neighboring Bulgaria, such as Serbia and Romania. The implementation of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region will be in line with the objectives and principles of the EU Cohesion Policy and the experience of all Danube partners at national, regional and local level. One of the potential forms for its successful putting into practice are the European Agreement for Territorial Cooperation as a tool, by means of which the various projects will be carried out and managed.
In conclusion Bulgaria, relying on its existing experience and the significant potential for development, is hereby expressing interest to coordinate the activities under priority axis “Development of Tourism and Cultural Dialogue”.
Sofia, 17-19 “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii” str. Tel.. 94 059, Fax 987 25 17 www.mrrb.government.bg 29