Integrated Territorial Instrument of the Danube Delta : an assessment of its implementation, performance orientation and governance during 2016-2021 : executive summary

The Integrated Territorial Instrument for the Danube Delta was established by EU Cohesion Policy in Romania during the programming period 2014-2020 in order to enable the strategic and financial support for integrated development of the area. Its actual implementation is guided by the Integrated Strategy for the Development of the Danube Delta (ISDDD) adopted in 2016, which constitutes a blueprint for the economic, social and environmental development of the Delta. The strategy was developed through a systematic technical analysis and a participatory process conducted by the World Bank and financed by the EU Structural Funds (ESI Funds) over the period 2013-2016. The strategy ISDDD establishes a vision and strategic objectives for the development of the Danube Delta region for a period of 15 years, until 2030. The vision for the area is defined based on the development needs of two different sub-areas: 1)the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Area - viewed as living area wherepeople work and live with balanced support for the environment and the community, a healthy, sustainable economy (mainly based on culture and tourism), and an inclusive planning process for residents, local authorities and businesses; and 2)the Neighbouring Area of the Danube Delta - viewed as a vibrant, modernagricultural and small enterprise area with a network of urban service centres and a tourism sector integrated with the attractions of the Delta.