Interview: Boris CAMERNIK, Danube Competence Centre (DCC)

1. As a Serbian partner in an EU-funded project, what are your point of view(s) on European Union’s incentives and the financial instruments, such as the Danube Transnational Programme, that Serbia has at its disposal? Would you say that their existence facilitates the future integration of Serbia in the EU?

Boris: Inclusion of Serbia and other non-EU countries, in European Union’s initiatives (such as macro regional strategies) and financial instruments (like Danube Transnational Programme, COSME and many others), brings a great opportunity to learn from the first-hand how such complex universe works. Through such programmes, we see the benefits brought by cooperation, interdependency, sharing and transfer of knowledge and strategic planning. It helps us understand the “big” picture of the EU and our role and place in it. In that sense, participation in such programmes very practically facilitates Serbia’s integration in the EU.

2. The ensemble of DTP approved project partners in which you take part, what would say about the advantages or inconveniences that you’ve experienced working alongside countries showing much disparities in-between them?

Boris: The whole process of preparation and implementation of the projects is an excellent learning curve for us. To be exact, the diversity of partners coming from various countries is the greatest advantage of the programme. Working alongside partners from countries which have gone further in dealing with particular issues gives us a possibility to find out more and pilot some of the best practices. On practical terms, I do not see great disparities among partners coming from different countries, but the biggest inconvenience comes from the fact that sometimes project structures are not flexible enough to treat project topics with the specific background of still non-EU countries.

3. DTP is also the only programme yet to accept non-EU countries as full-time partners with a successful integration of three different EU funds (ERDF, IPA, and ENI). Having that in mind, how and in what manner did you assume your roles and responsibilities among the other project partners? Also, what are the achievements you would not have reached if you were working alone?

Boris: The development of the Danube region can’t be treated in the closed circle of EU member states. Not only the potentials, but also the issues don’t recognize borders; so such integrative and inclusive DTP approach is a positive step forward in ways how strategies should be developed and implemented. Saying so, it is obvious that working alone we would not be able to reach neither major, nor sustainable solutions for the Danube region. We see ourselves as equal partners who could offer a lot to the partnerships, but also learn a lot from the others.

4. The uniqueness of the DTP is undoubtedly given to its’ Transnational dimension. According to you, is it or not the strongest characteristic of the programme?

Boris: Transnational aspect and transnational approach in tackling the joint issues of the Danube region are the strongest assets of the programme. It widens our perspectives and facilitates cooperation among partners from countries which are still on different levels of development, thus would hardly be able to work together if there were no such programmes like DTP. It also helps us understand the complexity of issues and underline the necessity of collaboration.

5. To conclude, what are the benefits you’ve earned contributing to projects promoting territorial integration? What are the potential gains you get from being involved in multiple projects?

Boris: There are a number of benefits we identified during participation in three DTP projects: working and sharing experience with almost 30 different partners from eight countries, tackling various topics and connecting Serbia Danube region with the wider region. Working in multiple projects raised our expertise in various fields, allowing us to raise the capacities and profile of our organization.

Programme co-funded by European Union funds (ERDF, IPA, ENI)