Resilience driven enhancement of the social-economic upscaling of the Danube-Drava-Sava macro region

The Danube macroregion, which spans 14 countries, is intertwined with regions that cross numerous border points. Unfortunately, a significant part of these border regions struggle with marginalization and face significant socio-economic development challenges. These peripheral areas often face problems such as low rates of civic engagement, limited resource capacity absorption, and limited access to basic expertise and exemplary models of progress. Despite the fact that dedicated cross-border cooperation (CBC) programs aimed at promoting regional growth exist within individual border areas, they operate in isolation from each other, and there is a lack of interconnection. Consequently, the wealth of knowledge, successful initiatives and best practices developed within a border area do not cross geographical boundaries, inhibiting the possibility of collaborative progress between neighboring areas. There is a fundamental need to bridge this gap and create solid channels for the exchange of insights and experiences, thereby unlocking the collective potential of the Danube macro-region for inclusive and sustainable development. The purpose of the preparatory project is to formulate a joint transnational development program lasting from 2025 to 2035, which consists of an action plan and a personalized training program, and which promotes the development of the border regions of the Danube-Dráva-Száva region. This effort is aimed at increasing the participation in EU funding initiatives and the absorption of funds, as well as nurturing the competence of the demographic target groups living in the breakaway regions. Strategically focused on capacity building and competence development, the project aims to empower these communities to effectively utilize available resources and take advantage of opportunities for sustainable development. Through this coordinated effort, the project aims to bridge existing inequalities, catalyze socio-economic development, increase the resilience of communities and promote greater inclusivity in the Danube macro-region.By conducting thorough surveys, implementing targeted capacity-building initiatives, and formulating strategic plans, the partnership aims to increase the absorption capacity of the region, as well as increase the capacity and resilience of the population, thereby catalyzing its development. Our overarching goal is to promote sustainable development in the border regions by actively involving stakeholders, facilitating access to resources and identifying different financing paths. Using a cross-border approach, we give priority to cooperation efforts in order to ensure effective cross-border cooperation, thus amplifying the impact of the project in the entire Danube-Drava-Száva macro-region.