The Danube region is one of the most important areas in Europe, covering several EU Member States and neighbouring countries in the river basin and in the coastal zones on the Black Sea. The EU Strategy for the Danube Region aims to develop a coherent approach focusing on priority areas such as social and economic development, environmental protection, transport, sustainable tourism and cultural heritage in the Danube basin. Moreover, following the enlargement in 2004 and 2007, the Strategy provides an opportunity to overcome the former East–West division, fully realize the potential of the region as an integral part of the EU and improve the quality of life for people living in the Danube basin.

The Danube Strategy is also one of the priorities of the Hungarian Council Presidency and therefore the Center for EU Enlargement Studies (CENS) will organize a conference that will provide a discussion platform between government representatives of the countries involved, the European Commission, European Parliament and European Investment Bank with the aim to present the Strategy from both national and European perspectives, discuss its main objectives, priorities and its implementation and governance.