The Special Co-ordinator Erhard Busek will participate at an international conference in Vienna to launch an informal political Danube Co-operation Process. The re-establishing of full navigation on the Danube, which depends on the clearing of the bridge at Novi Sad (Yugoslavia) and is expected to be completed in summer 2002, remains high on the agenda of the Stability Pact partners. Beyond achieving this goal, the riparian countries of the Danube basin will engage in a comprehensive Co-operation Process, also in the fields of economy, environment, tourism, culture and subregional activities, including Euro regions.

Initiated by the Special Co-ordinator of the Stability Pact in early 2001, the idea of a Danube Conference was moved foreward by Romania and Austria with the active support of the EU Commission. The four initiators will be represented at the Conference in Vienna by Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner (Austria), Prime Minister Adrian Nastase (Romania), Commissioner Chris Patten (EU Commission) and Erhard Busek (Stability Pact).

The results of the Conference to be held at the Vienna City Hall, will be presented at a Press Conference (Neues Rathaus – Steinsaal II), to which media are kindly invited, 27 May 2002, 13.00h. Media are also invited to cover the arrival of the conference participants (photo opportunities 8.30 - 9.00) and the opening of the conference (9.00 - 11.45).

Background on Stability Pact activities in the Danube Region.