“A Shared River, A Shared Security” The Lower Danube as a Strategic Theatre for Security, Defense, and Democratic Resilience Ruse, Bulgaria, 29-30 June 2026

June 29 is Danube Day. Jointly organized by the Sofia and Bucharest offices of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, the conference will take place aboard a ship on the Danube River, providing a fitting setting for a high-level exchange of ideas on the ever-evolving strategic importance of the Lower Danube region.

Since 2022, the Danube has demonstrated its strategic importance—highlighting its value not only as critical infrastructure for the Black Sea region, but also as an instrument of European political solidarity, economic resilience, and strategic strength. Stretching from the Iron Gates to the Black Sea, the Lower Danube connects EU and NATO member states—Romania and Bulgaria—with neighboring partners facing diverse security realities, including Serbia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine. In this ever-changing context, the river represents more than just a geographical feature—it is a strategic corridor linking different security communities and political trajectories.

Romania and Bulgaria, as EU member states and immediate neighbors sharing this region, are well-positioned to further strengthen political, institutional, and operational coordination along the Lower Danube. This event will bring together decision-makers, experts, and representatives of local communities along the Danube to assess cross-border cooperation and strengthen strategic coordination along the Lower Danube. Discussions will focus on deepening collaboration in the areas of defense, economic development, interconnectivity, and political-diplomatic engagement. The discussions will be held in Romanian and Bulgarian, with simultaneous interpretation.

Working papers:

• Political-diplomatic cooperation:
       Miruna Butnaru Troncota - Stepping Outside of the Comfort Zone;
       Valentin Katrandzhiev - Romanian-Bulgarian Relations;
• Economic cooperation:
       Atanas Pekanov & Ivan Todorov - Bulgaria and Romania – Economic Ties and Future Opportunities;
       Cornel Ban & Elena Maria Cautis - Energy Vulnerability and Cooperation in Romania and Bulgaria;
• Military and security cooperation:
       Valentin Quintus Nicolescu  - The need for stronger strategic coordination;
       Nevena Alexieva - Military Cooperation and Security;
• Infrastructures / Connectivity:
       Mihai Sebe - Romania – Bulgaria. The Interconnectivity Problem