Bosnia and Herzegovina has officially taken over the presidency of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) from Austria. This leadership role, effective from January 1 to December 31, 2025, highlights the country's dedication to promoting regional collaboration and addressing common challenges within the Danube Region.

Established in June 2011, the EUSDR provides a platform for countries in the Danube Region to jointly tackle shared issues such as pollution, climate change, unemployment, and gaps in connectivity. In recent years, the region has faced additional challenges, including economic downturns, migration, demographic changes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical instability, particularly the Russian aggression against Ukraine. These challenges have underscored the need for deeper cooperation and constructive dialogue.

A defining characteristic of the EUSDR is its inclusive nature, involving both EU member states and accession countries to address mutual concerns on an equal footing. Consistent with the Vienna Danube Declaration from June 2024, Bosnia and Herzegovina stresses that EU membership plays a crucial role in fostering regional stability, reconciliation, and development.

During its presidency, Bosnia and Herzegovina is committed to advancing the European integration process, especially for countries in the Western Balkans. Revitalizing the EU enlargement process is a key priority, with the aim of overcoming enlargement fatigue and reinforcing the EU’s credibility in the region.

The presidency will also focus on tackling challenges such as brain drain, youth unemployment, and demographic changes, with a particular emphasis on policies related to youth, education, skills development, and labor markets. In addition, the presidency’s priorities include:

• Security, Civil Protection, and Disaster Preparedness: Strengthening regional cooperation in civil protection and disaster preparedness.

• Tourism and Culture: Promoting the Danube Region as a top tourist destination and supporting sustainable recovery in the post-pandemic era through innovative and resilient strategies.

• Connectivity and Green Transition: Enhancing digital and energy connectivity, optimizing the use of renewable energy, and advancing regional energy markets in line with the European Green Deal.

• Education, Skills, and Labor Markets: Improving education and training systems to ensure equal access to quality, inclusive education and employment.

Additionally, the presidency will emphasize the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), gender equality, and the empowerment of women in the Danube Region. Institutional objectives include increasing the involvement of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) in EUSDR activities and exploring opportunities related to the new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.

A major event during Bosnia and Herzegovina’s presidency will be the 14th EUSDR Annual Forum, scheduled for November 5-6, 2025, in Sarajevo. This will be preceded by the 12th Danube Participation Day on November 4. These events will bring together stakeholders from the Danube Region and beyond to reflect on progress and share insights.

For a detailed overview and a full list of planned events, visit the EUSDR Bosnian and Herzegovinian Presidency webpage.