Bulgaria’s National Event strengthened Danube–Black Sea synergies

Bulgaria’s National Hub held the roundtable "Danube and the Black Sea: Synergies for Regional Development and Connectivity" on 14 July in Ruse, bringing together stakeholders from EU institutions, national authorities, research organisations and industry to advance cooperation along this strategic corridor. The event highlighted Bulgaria’s dual leadership of the Common Maritime Agenda and the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, emphasising the Danube–Black Sea continuum as a single "river‑to‑sea" system essential for Europe’s connectivity, resilience and economic development. Discussions showcased ongoing initiatives in digitalisation, multimodal logistics, river information services, infrastructure investments and cross‑border cooperation, including COMEX2, FAIRway Danube II and the Bulgarian‑Romanian DISMAR partnership. Participants also explored opportunities in tourism, cultural heritage and blue economy development, underscoring the need for integrated management approaches that link inland waterways, maritime transport and regional development objectives.