As we move closer to this year’s Danube Participation Day in November, we are pleased to highlight an important milestone on the way: the 3rd National Participation Day in Bulgaria. This gathering will take place on Friday, 26 September, and offers an excellent opportunity to exchange views, share experiences, and strengthen cooperation among civil society actors, government representatives, and stakeholders engaged in the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR).

The event provides a space to reflect on Bulgaria’s role within the Strategy and the Transnational Danube Region Programme 2021–2027, while also looking ahead to Bulgaria’s upcoming Presidency of the Danube Strategy in 2026. Participants will have the chance to discuss how civil society can actively contribute to shaping policies, projects, and priorities for the Danube Region, particularly in light of the negotiations for the new EU budget.

With keynote inputs, interactive discussions, and a World Café session, the National Participation Day aims to bring together diverse perspectives and build momentum for greater citizen engagement in the Danube Strategy.

Please find the preliminary agenda below and the registration link here >>

AGENDA:

Preliminary Program

13:30 – 13:35 Opening

13:35 – 13:50 How to participate? Civil Society in the EU Strategy for the Danube Region

- Stefan Lütgenau, President of the Danube Civil Society Forum

13:50 – 14:05 Participation of Bulgaria in the Тransnational cooperation progamme Danube region 2021-2027 and in the EU Strategy for the Danube Region. Bulgarian Presidency of the Danube Strategy in 2026

– Marta Tsvetanova, Simona Slavcheva, Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works

14:05 – 14:30 Discussion with the panellists

14:30 – 15:15 World Café: Opportunities for civil society participation in the Danube strategy in the context of the Bulgarian presidency and negotiations for a new EU budget

15:15 – 15:30 Final discussion & closing