The EU Strategy for the Danube Region – The Emergence of Soft Spaces and the Role of Actors

Abstract

This paper explores the EU Danube Region Strategy as an example of macro-regional strategies fostering transnational soft spaces. It examines the governance structure and the roles of different stakeholder groups, highlighting the absence of clear definitions but outlining tasks for each committee to clarify responsibilities. Drawing on interviews, the study identifies the added value, challenges, and expectations associated with the strategy, particularly regarding relational geographies. The findings suggest that, although initiated by nation states and largely following a political logic, the Danube Region Strategy exhibits fuzzy governance across vertical, horizontal, and geographical dimensions, providing scope for the development of soft spaces.