"The Danube Strategy is the strategy of the future", said Tamás Deutsch MEP after the European Parliament adopted the Resolution on implementing the 'EU Strategy for the Danube Region' with an overwhelming majority at today's Strasbourg plenary. The implementation of the Danube Strategy, which aims to reinforce ties in the fields of economy, transportation, energy, environment and culture among the Central European countries, is one of the most important priorities of the Hungarian EU Presidency.

In the plenary debate, Tamás Deutsch underlined that the Strategy was of great significance in a wider European context since it directly concerned 14 European countries and 115 million people. Macro-regional cooperation is becoming all the more essential especially if we want to successfully cope with emerging challenges. "The financial, economic and social crisis had especially serious consequences in the countries of the Danube Region. The Strategy sets great store by revitalising the region's economy, in particular by promoting employment", underlined Tamás Deutsch.

The MEP welcomed the two principles of the Hungarian Presidency concerning the Danube Strategy according to which the Danube Region has to develop, prosper and remain diverse and liveable at the same time. "Sustainable development and environmental protection are central elements of the Danube Strategy", said Tamás Deutsch. He added that the EU Strategy for the Danube Region was for a very long time the first European initiative to bring the Union closer to its citizens as the elaboration of the Strategy was preceded by a one-year consultation process.

The Resolution initiated by Tamás Deutsch was adopted by a huge majority at the plenary sitting of the European Parliament. Economic development, employment, the situation of small-and medium-sized enterprises, innovation, environmental protection, transport, energy infrastructure, and good neighbourhood relations are all areas where the successful implementation of the Danube Strategy will result in tangible positive developments for citizens.

The European Commission launched the Strategy in the form of an Action Plan and Communication in December 2010. Now, with the present Motion for a Resolution, the European Parliament expressed its commitment to the Danube Strategy.

For further information:
Tamás DEUTSCH MEP, Tel: +33-3-88175156
Miklós Panyi, EPP Group Press & Communications Service, Tel: +32-473-866137

Notes to Editors:
The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 265 Members.