The participation of the programme in the 4th edition of the EU Strategey for the Danube Region (EUSDR) Forum which took place in Ulm (Germany) last 29 and 30 October, consisted of the organisation of both a workshop and a promotional stand in the exhibition area.

The DTP organised a workshop under the title 'Danube Transnational Programme: A Stream of Cooperation', in which the Danube Transnational Programme (DTP), the expected projects in the 4 identified priority axes and the links and differences with the EUSDR were presented. During the workshop, which received the highest number of registrations in the Forum, a presentation of the programme was followed by a panel discussion. The Panel discussion was aimed at creating a discussion among stakeholders concerning the Danube Transnational Programme and its differences, links and synergies towards the EUSDR. A varied group of speakers participated in the panel: a representative of the European Commission, the Managing Authority, two representatives of programme countries receiving different types of funds, and three EUSDR representatives (one National Coordinator and two Priority Area Coordinators). 

Special emphasis was given to clarify the differences and similarities between the Programme and the Strategy, basically considering the Programme being a financial instrument, the Strategy not being a financial instrument and the different rules and procedures of both of them. Moreover, the workshop showed how DTP projects can contribute in one way or another to the EUSDR Priority Areas considering the 4 Priority Axes of the DTP (1. Innovative and socially responsible Danube region, 2. Environment and culture responsible Danube region, 3. Better connected and energy responsible Danube region and 4. Well-governed Danube region). During the different interventions, it was highlighted that the DTP supports the EU Strategy for the Danube Region as an essential instrument for the macro-regional integration and to deliver real benefits to the people in the region.

Concerning the next steps to be taken into consideration, the strong links and cooperation needed between the DTP and the EUSDR during all phases of the programme and its projects (launch of calls, implementation of projects, dissemination and capitalisation of results) were stated by several panellists. Finally, it was mentioned how in the phase of capitalisation of DTP project results, the involvement of the EUSDR Priority Area Coordinators would give an added value to the Capitalisation Strategy that the Programme will carry out.

The Danube Transnational Programme was presented in the EUSDR Forum as well thanks to an specific stand within the exhibition area. The stand was constantly frequented by many Forum participants who received general information about the Programme and the First call for proposals.

2015 being the beginning of a complex Programme in a diverse area full of challenges but also potentialities, the DTP was presented in the EUSDR Forum as a Programme which truly believes that many of these common challenges and needs can be better faced joining forces through transnational cooperation. Moreover, the Danube Transnational Programme supports the EUSDR as an essential instrument for the macro-regional integration.