The Government supported Ukraine's application for the presidency of the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region. The period is from November 2021 to November 2022. The decision was adopted during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine at the request of the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine and with the support of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.

"As the presiding country, Ukraine will be responsible for the agenda of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region. The chosen priority areas will allow our country to strengthen cooperation with other countries participating in the Strategy. This is an important step for Ukraine, enabling to confirm the leadership and open new perspectives," said Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna.

In addition to applying for the chairmanship of the Strategy, Ukraine must prepare and submit an annual presidency program.

"The European Union's Strategy for the Danube Region is one example of the effectiveness of a partnership approach to the development of an important macro-region. For our country, its further implementation is among the priority areas of activity that will promote the development of the European integration process at a new level and significantly improve our relations with the EU," said Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine Oleksii Chernyshov.

Background

The countries participating in the Strategy are connected by a geographical area - the Danube region, which has common problems and challenges on the way towards its sustainable development. The Ukrainian part of the Danube region covers Odesa, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi and Zakarpattia regions.

The implementation of the Strategy contributes to the fulfillment by Ukraine of its obligations under the Association Agreement between our country and the EU. In particular, the implementation of international commitments made by EU Member States and Ukraine in the areas of shipping, environmental protection, in particular aquatic ecosystems, including the conservation of living aquatic resources.