“The Danube Participation Day [is] in the very DNA of cooperation. And at the heart of how the Danube Strategy adds value.”

Speech by Commissioner Elisa Ferreira (by video message) for the 13th Annual Forum of the EUSDR

The 11th Danube Participation Day: Creating change for successful EU enlargement - How can we work together for a sustainable, resilient, and stable transition in Ukraine and beyond? addresses the role of Civil Society in the transition laboratories of Ukraine and Moldova on their path into the European Union. Building on the results of the 10th Danube Participation Day in Ljubljana, the three main topics of innovation and transformation for Ukraine and Moldova social transformation, democratic transformation, and sustainable green transformation have each their specificities and logics. Nevertheless, the three topics are intertwined and interdependent. Without a secure and developed democratic system and society no social or green transition can be imagined, while democratic or green transition can’t be imagined without a social transformation.

Following the input from the three preparatory online consultations the 11th DPD will discus three key challenges Civil Society in the Danube Region has identified to be enabled to develop fruitful contributions. The issue of financing, the issue of capacity building among Civil Society and local administrations, and the establishment of a culture of trust, participation and co-creation.

To strengthen networks and cooperation, the DPD will give space and time for direct contacts and debate among participants in two interactive sessions: an Agora where you are invited to present your (running or future) projects, your NGO or special services or needs related to your work as well three Transition Laboratiores debating the three issues of funding, capacity building, and a culture of participative governance.

As a third element we invite national and international institutions, active in funding in the Danube region to present their funding schemes with relation to civil society.

All participants of the 11th DPD are invited to the 13th Annual Forum (with separate registration obligatory) 20 – 21 June 2024 in Vienna.

Looking forward to meet you in Vienna!

draft AGENDA

08:30-09:00 Registration

09:00-09:30 Plenary Session

Opening Session
Welcome Address

• Ambassador Harald Stranzl
  Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, Austrian EUSDR Presidency

• Stefan August Lütgenau
  Danube Civil Society Forum/Foster Europe

• Claudia Singer-Smith
  EU Danube Strategy – Priority Area 10 “Institutional Capacity & Cooperation”/City of Vienna

Moderation: Alexandra Schantl, KDZ – Centre for Public Administration Research

09:30-12:00 Plenary Session

Panel Discussion | Reflecting the past for a brighter future: Lessons learned from the pathway towards EU accession

• Natalya Voloshyna
  FORZA – Agency for sustainable development of the Carpathian Region

• Eva-Maria Okonofua
  CONCORDIA Social Projects

• Daryna Sokolova
  Council of Europe in Ukraine

• Johan Magnusson
  European Commission – DG REGIO

• Gerhard Eisl
  Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, Austrian EUSDR Presidency

12:00-12:15 Plenary Session

Danube Participation Agora: Introduction of initiatives

12:15-13:30 Networking Lunch & Agora

13:30-13:45 Plenary Session

Introduction to the Danube Participation Day Transition Labs

13:45 – 15:30 Interactive Workshop Sessions

Danube Participation Day Transition Labs

All participants have the opportunity to join all three labs. Each transition lab discussion is planned for 30 minutes.

• Transition Lab: Funding for civil society and local actors
  Moderation: Katharina Lenz, Danube Strategy Point

• Transition Lab: Capacity Building
  Moderation: Claudia Singer-Smith, EU Danube Strategy – Priority Area 10 “Institutional Capacity & Cooperation”/City of Vienna

• Transition Lab: Participation & Dialogue
  Moderation: Natalya Chornohub, YouControl

15:30-16:00 Plenary Session

Sharing ideas to navigate transition: Results from the Transition Labs

Interactive session to prioritise results from the Transition Lab.

 16:00-16:45 Plenary Session

Funders Talks: Boosting development in the Danube Region

• Walter Ehmeir
  Austrian Development Agency

• Simone Ene
  Danube Region Programme

• Peter Polajnar
  Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform for Ukraine/European Commission – DG NEAR

Short reflection: Igor Studennikov – Centre for Regional Studies

16:45-17:00 Plenary Session

Closing Session

Passing the Bell

• Stefan Lütgenau
  Danube Civil Society Forum/Foster Europe

• Dzenana Dedic
  Local Democracy Agency Mostar

Closing the 11th Danube Participation Day

• Stefan Lütgenau
  Danube Civil Society Forum/Foster Europe

• Claudia Singer-Smith
  EU Danube Strategy – Priority Area 10 “Institutional Capacity & Cooperation”/City of Vienna

18:30-22.00 Evening Reception @ Charter Ship MS Admiral Tegetthoff

Meeting Point: Vienna Shipping Center, 1020 Wien, Handelskai 265

Boat trip: Boarding starting at 18:30, departure at 19:00, return at 22:00

The Welcome Reception of the 13th EUSDR Annual Forum builds a bridge to the 11th Danube Participation Day and brings the participants of both events together in a relaxed atmosphere. We invite you to enjoy food and drinks, accompanied by music in a beautiful setting.

Registration: https://danube-region.eu/danube-events/13th-eusdr-annual-forum/

REGISTRATION is closed

Should you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at office@foster-europe.org