The Euro-region “Middle Danube – Iron Gate” is a regional and international project involving Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria, launched in 2002.

Considering the features of the Iron Gate and Middle Danube region – where the economy is comparatively lagging behind, and there are not-exploited natural and cultural resources conducive for the development of tourism, agriculture, the power sector and transport – there is a logical need and tendency for providing a free flow of goods, people and ideas, irrespective of the existence of the state border if we want to take the road to faster progress.

After the presentation and wide discussion about the project at the XIII Conference “DRC” in Kladovo, the representatives of local authorities signed the Letter of Intent to establish the Euro-region “Middle Danube – Iron Gate”.

Objectives of the project:

• To facilitate transport and industry development in the region and in whole Europe
• Transport facilities
• Sustainable use of resources for transport, industry, agriculture and tourism
• Sustainable development (protection of natural resources)

Project description

The first phase

In the area of economic relations:

1. drawing up common programs, according to the economic possibilities of the parties;
2. drawing up and utilizing a common informational system;
3. supporting and encouraging economical chambers’ cooperation;
4. supporting the establishment of joint-venture companies and banks;
5. supporting economical contracts between companies;
6. establishing economical and financial common activities on third markets.

In the environment area:

1. harmonizing environment protection programs;
2. harmonizing common activities for soil, air and water protection

In science, culture, education, civic relations, health and sports areas:

1. encouraging relations and contacts in the science area, between Universities as research centres and specialized institutions;
2. establishing cultural relations and creating cultural cooperation programs;
3. promoting the cooperation between unions and civic organizations;
4. taking into consideration and supporting the strengthening of minorities’ ethnic rights according to the national legislation and the existing international conventions;
5. establishing and developing cooperation in health area and social assistance in hospitals university clinics and other specialized institutions;
6. organizing regional sport events;

The second phase

Specific investment projects important for all countries in the region will be included In the infrastructure work of transportation and communication area:

1. drawing up projects of transportation infrastructure (road, railways, waterways)
2. creating new customs check points and up-dating the existing ones

Implementation period

First phase – one year, starting and the year 2002.

Second phase – 2003-2006

Economic / Financial Justification

In all the three countries in the Djerdap region there are a significant number of industrial facilities, agricultural, tourism and human resources that should be used commonly, with free circulation of capital and labor forces – for greater and sustainable economic performance.

Financing Plan

• Support from the Governments
• Entrepreneurship
• Support from the EU
• Other partners

Final Beneficiary

• Small, medium and large companies of the Djerdap region
• Inhabitants of the region
• The national economies of Serbia, Rumania and Bulgaria
• Transporters and travelers along the Danube

Major Sector/Project Issues

• Transportation
• Tourism
• Services
• Agriculture
• Environment
• Culture