ADRM presented the Danube region at an event in Palermo

The Chairman of the Management Board of the Association of Danube Municipalities "Danube" (ADRM) Dr. Yuliyan Naydenov and the Executive Director Maria Tzankova presented the Danube region and Bulgaria in a two-day high-level event dedicated to the Mediterranean cooperation within the Mission of the European Commission "Restoring our Ocean and Waters". The forum, organized by the European Commission in close cooperation with the Italian government, Sicily region and the University of Palermo, was held on May 30 and 31 in the city of Palermo, Italy.

Dr. Yuliyan Naydenov - Mayor of Silistra Municipality, participated in a panel discussion with representatives of cities and regions from different EU countries. He introduced the audience to the current areas of activity of the first regional association of local authorities in Bulgaria, related to the preservation of river ecosystems and decarbonization in the Danube region. ADRM "Danube" contributes to the objectives of the Mission by participating in two projects financed under the Horizon Europe Program. In January 2023, the implementation of the EcoDaLLi Project to manage the Danube Lighthouse for Innovation started, and soon will be the launch of the DaWetRest Innovation Action to restore Danube wetlands and floodplains. Dr. Naydenov also participated in a ceremony for the creation of the so-called Coalition of cities and regions - representatives of local and regional authorities committed to the implementation of the EU Mission Charter.

The event aimed to show the strong political commitments of the Mediterranean countries to Mission Ocean and to present the relevant actions and initiatives. The forum was attended by Mediterranean stakeholders, international and intergovernmental organizations, as well as representatives from regions, cities, ports, islands, shipping, industries, academia, education, researchers, investors, NGOs, citizens and youth. The program also included demonstrations of EU projects, exchange of best practices and networking.