Journal of Danubian Studies and Research, Vol 6, No 1 (2016)

Abstract

The regional policy is a strategic investment policy, which aims at stimulating the economic growth of all EU regions and cities and to improve quality of life. It is also an expression of solidarity, as it focuses on helping the less developed regions. The Regional policy aimed at EU regions and cities, stimulating the economic growth and improving the quality of life through strategic investments. It is also an active form of solidarity, which targets to support the less developed regions. Regional policy benefits from the biggest part of the EU budget for 2014-2020 (351.8 billion Euros out of a total of 1082 billion) and is therefore the main investment instrument of the Union. With an area of about 800,000 km (occupying one fifth of the EU's area) and with a population of over 100 million, the Danube Region is vital for Europe. Danube basin has a number of advantages that can enable the development of its rapid geographical position (opening to the east); cultural, ethnic and natural; sources of renewable energy (hydro, biomass, wind and thermal); benefits related to the environment (flora and fauna, water resources, Delta).