The second edition of MRS Week organized by DG REGIO took place 1-5th March 2021 under the motto RECONNECT-RETHINK-RECOVER. The event was opened by the European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Mrs. Elisa Ferreira, stating that MRSs are essential and crucial for regional cooperation. Moreover, she highlighted the EUSDR needs to further work on connecting the region in the light of promotion of joint tourism and efforts of energy security.

 

At the first day fruitful and interesting sessions took part, in particular The Young Dialogue that was co-organized by the PA 2 ‘ENERGY’ together with other PA´s. In this Dialogue, 4 representatives of 4 young civil societies raised questions to the Trio Presidency about Youth Involvement according to the Manifesto for Young People by Young People to shape the European Cooperation Policy.  The Youth Representative from the Danube Region was Ms. Iryna Gumenchuk from Agapedia, Ukraine, and she put a question regarding the support of young involvement from Non-EU countries in the Danube Region. Mr. Blasko, Slovakian National Coordinator of EUSDR responded by flagging the need of strengthening youth participation in EUSDR Governance.

Tuesday´s session contributed to the Involvement of Western Balkan to the MRS, where one of the priorities will be clean energy in terms of green and digital transition.

On Wednesday, the interesting sessions have continued, in particular a workshop on indirectly or directly managed funds in order to provide an overview of funding opportunities.

On Thursday, EC Representatives from the Action Programmes introduced new conditions for the programming period 2021-2027.