site.btaRuse Hosts High-Level Danube Security Conference Focused on Regional Cooperation

Ruse hosted the international conference "Common River, Common Security: The Lower Danube as a Strategic Space for Security, Defence and Democratic Resilience" on the occasion of Danube Day on June 29.

The conference focused on the growing strategic importance of the Lower Danube amid Europe's evolving security environment, emphasizing its role in political and diplomatic cooperation, economic connectivity, transport development, security, and resilience. Experts presented analytical reports and recommendations that will be published in Bulgarian and Romanian.

The forum brought together diplomats, state institutions, local authorities, academia, expert organizations, and civil society from Bulgaria and Romania. It was organized by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. Jacques Paparo, the foundations representative for Bulgaria and Romania, emphasized that the Lower Danube is crucial for European security.

Romanian Ambassador to Bulgaria Brandusa Predescu said Bulgarians and Romanians already cooperate across many fields, highlighting Germany as an important partner of both countries. She noted that next year marks 20 years since both countries joined the EU in 2007, stressing the need to better communicate the benefits of membership and accelerate joint connectivity projects.

Bulgarian Ambassador to Romania Radko Vlaykov recalled the first cross-border boat and jet ski parade between Ruse and Giurgiu, which brought together over 200 vessels and large crowds on both banks. He said it demonstrated the Danube's role as a connector between the two nations and lamented that the 470 km border between Bulgaria and Romania has only two bridges, calling connectivity a matter of political will rather than funding. Vlaykov also announced that a bust of prominent Bulgarian Stefan Karadzha will be unveiled in Tulcea, Romania.

Ruse Mayor Pencho Milkov as well expressed a vision for more bridges, year-round navigation, and the Danube as Europe's "main highway". He pointed to the lack of docking infrastructure for hundreds of vessels seen during the recent parade, calling it a shared challenge. Milkov added that national security is multidimensional, including economic, environmental, and social aspects, and highlighted ongoing infrastructure improvements, including the upcoming completion of repairs to the Danube Bridge.

Danube Day celebrations also include a symphonic concert by the Ruse State Opera and the opening of a photo exhibition entitled "Life along the Danube", organized by the Elias Canetti Society and supported by the Austrian Embassy in Bulgaria.