Scientific Practical Conference on the EU Strategy for the Danube Region: Opportunities and Challenges

Scientific Practical Conference on the EU Strategy for the Danube Region: Opportunities and Challenges organized by the Bulgarian Regional Science Association (BRSA) was held in the Large Conference Hall. In the Forum took part scientists from the BRSA institutional members: UNWE, St. Climent Ohridsky University of Sofia, Technical University of Sofia, South West University, Economic University of Varna as well as from the Economic University of Bratislava. In the Conference participated also the President of the European Regional Science Association (ERSA) Jouke van Dijk. The guests were introduced by Prof. D.Sc.(Econ.) Stanka Tonkova, Director of the Center for Research Educational Projects and Chairwoman of BRSA.

Prof. Dipl. Ing. Ferdinand Dano, PhD, Rector of the Economic University of Bratislava, Mr. Jouke van Dijk, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Milanka Slavova, Vice Rector for Education in the EQD of Bachelor and Lifelong Learning, Prof. Stanka Tonkova, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stela Raleva, Vice Rector for Education in the EQD of Master and Distance Learning, Prof. Dr. Kosyo Stoychev, BRSA Vice President, Prof. Dr. Marin Rusev from the University of Sofia  (from the right to the left)

Prof. Stanka Tonkova

Prof. Milanka Slavova greeted the guests on behalf of the Rector Prof. D.Sc.(Econ.) Statty Stattev. It is the second edition of the Conference and the topic is not only interesting but also full of challenges as the sustainable development and the social cohesion that continue being the focus of the EU new programme period in the field of regional and cohesion policy. The Danube region development is exceptionally important topic and I am sure that it will lead to interesting discussions, essential conclusions on the future region development as well as preferences to the policy and decision-makers, pointed out Assoc. Prof. Slavova.

Assoc. Prof. Milanka Slavova (in the middle)

Regional science becomes more and more important and I am glad that in Bulgaria it develops very fast. It is very important to have relation between the scientists and people who determine the direction especially in the modern dynamic economic conditions not only in Europe but also all over the world. The research give the knowledge necessary to win the trust of people but nowadays something more is required to observe – environmental protection, outlined Mr. Jouke van Dijk.

The guest presented also the activity and objectives of ERSA and pointed out that the Association strives for attracting young people through trainings, summer schools, etc. He expressed confidence in the regional science development because it would lead to better management and use of natural resources for the welfare of people.

In the Large Conference Hall

Reports on the EU macro regional strategy for the Danube region in the context of cohesion policy as well as the regional division of Bulgaria and space vision for the Danube region strategy were delivered by Assoc. Prof. Stela Raleva, Prof. Stanka Tonkova and Assoc. Prof. Kosyo Stoychev. There were discussed the topics as the transport connectivity in the Danube region, its development in the context of new division of Bulgaria, innovations as an incentive for integrated transport systems, etc.