First results: Supporting Ukraine´s recovery and EU accession through the EUSDR
The organisers of the Danube Participation Days have decided to dedicate the years 2023 and 2024 to explore how can the EUSDR best support Ukraine's recovery and EU accession by answering the questions:
What are the potentials the local and regional level in UA and the cooperation of CS and local actors in the Danube region offer to the accession process?
How can the EUSDR facilitate stakeholder cooperation for recovery/EU accession?
During the first event, the 10th Danube Participation Day, three exclusive afternoon workshops were held to define up to three main messages/priorities for the recovery/EU accession process. These messages/priorities can/should be implemented within the framework of the EU Danube Strategy or where the EU Danube Strategy can contribute.
We are pleased to present here the results:
Workshop I: Sustainable Recovery – Shaping Modern European Development
Coordinating Environmental Recovery in Post-War Ukraine: This task involves coordinating the efforts of all institutions involved in environmental recovery measures in Ukraine after the war.
Implementation of Best Practices: It is important to implement the best practices and knowledge from countries in the entire Danube region to aid Ukraine's recovery.
Planning for Future Recovery: It is crucial to plan for the future recovery of Ukraine's environment. Planning the future recovery process in accordance with the EU Green Deal and all related EU environmental policies.
Workshop II: Democratic Recovery – A Vision for Boosting Good Governance
Current Standstill Period: Acknowledging the standstill period following the Russian aggression and the fragility of EU values, while emphasising the need for trust-building.
Vision for the Future: Articulating a vision that centres on rebuilding trust through a participatory approach, particularly at the regional level, with reinforced dialogue with civil society and promotion of transparency.
Requirements for Progress: It is important to reinforce dialogue with civil society and promote transparency as essential requirements for progress.
Workshop III: Social Recovery – Strengthening a Socially Inclusive Future
Pressing Social Challenges: Addressing pressing social challenges related to the (re-)integration of different social groups into (post-)war Ukrainian society.
Preparing for (Re-)Integration: To advocate for the preparation of (re-)integration processes and gather ideas and knowledge from Ukrainian refugees. Digitalization and AI can be utilized to tackle social challenges.
Implementation in Recovery Plan: Highlighting the necessity to link the implementation of such measures to Ukraine’s recovery plan and leveraging long-term cooperation structures and networks of the EUSDR.
The 11th Danube Participation Day, scheduled for June 19th, 2024, aims to encourage further collaboration and continue discussions on Ukraine's sustainable path towards amidst the double transformation from war and towards EU membership.