PRESS RELEASE
The role and involvement of non-governmental organizations
in promoting Integrity Pacts in the Danube Delta
Transparency International Romania organized a working meeting on Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Tulcea, focusing on the Integrity Pact applicable in the development project of the public naval transport of passengers in the Danube Delta.
The event brought together representatives from institutions relevant to the topic, including Tulcea County Council, the Directorate General European Programs Transport and the Naval Transport Directorate both within the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, ADI ITI Danube Delta, and South-East Regional Development Agency (ADR). Alongside the main event, targeted meetings were held with representatives of local non-governmental organizations.
This initiative established a framework for cooperation among the most important institutions and stakeholders interested in this investment and public service project. The goal was to ensure their constructive and ongoing involvement in discussions and decisions across all stages, from the feasibility study's development to the actual implementation of the complex project regarding development of public passenger naval transport in the Danube Delta.
The feasibility study, funded through the 2021–2027 Transport Program, aims to identify funding sources for the actual investments and to propose technical and operational solutions to provide quality public services for Delta residents while ensuring economic, environmental, and climate sustainability. It is worth mentioning that similar investments were initially targeted under the 2014–2020 Regional Operational Programme (ROP); however, the initiative failed to materialize due to complex institutional blockages. During the 2021–2027 programming period, the Integrity Pact aims to overcome these obstacles for a positive and sustainable impact in the Danube Delta.
Recognizing the lack of interinstitutional dialogue, DG REGIO of the European Commission selected Transparency International Romania to monitor the preparation and identification process for the most suitable technical solutions and funding sources for the Danube Delta public passenger naval transport project. This monitoring is conducted through an Integrity Pact, which promotes the public interest and allows the organization to engage in activities such as organizing working meetings and communication campaigns. Essentially, the Integrity Pact enables the local community and civil society to play an active role in ensuring the integrity of public investments, highlighting the essential role of non-governmental organizations throughout the pact's implementation.
Transparency International Romania's efforts are carried out under the project “Introduction and setting up of Integrity Pacts in ITI Danube Delta,” funded by the European Commission through DG REGIO.
For further information, please contact us at office@transparency.org.ro.
