President of the Lower Danube Euroregion Development Agency, Igor BABAIAN: „The A7 Highway has the potential to directly support sustainable development and regional integration”

The Lower Danube Euroregion Development Agency, led by Igor Babaian, focuses on promoting cross-border cooperation and sustainable development in the Lower Danube region

The construction of the A7 Highway will improve connectivity between Romania and Ukraine, offering new opportunities for regional development and cooperation.

How do you see the impact of the A7 Highway construction on cross-border cooperation and sustainable development in the Lower Danube region?

The construction of the A7 Highway between Romania and Ukraine will have a profound positive impact on cross-border cooperation, facilitating the mobility not only of goods and services but also of people. By creating modern and efficient infrastructure, logistical barriers will be significantly reduced, which will enhance the attractiveness of cross-border collaborations in sectors such as trade, education, tourism, and culture. The highway will transform the region into an accessible hub for investments and regional collaborations, accelerating economic and social development.

Regarding sustainable development, the A7 Highway can become a catalyst for green energy projects and eco-technology initiatives. It will facilitate the adoption of sustainable solutions, such as energy-efficient transportation and responsible resource management.

Moreover, if planned properly, the A7 could reduce the negative environmental impact of transport through more efficient routes and the promotion of eco-friendly logistics systems.

What opportunities do you anticipate for regional development with the improvement of connectivity between Romania and Ukraine?

Improved road connectivity between Romania and Ukraine will generate multiple opportunities for regional development:

• Expansion of trade: Better connectivity will significantly reduce transportation costs and times for goods, stimulating cross-border trade and access to new markets.
• Increase in tourism: The new infrastructure will make travel more accessible and attractive for tourists, especially in areas along the Danube, which are rich in cultural and natural heritage.
• Development of agriculture and industry: The highway will connect agricultural and industrial centers, providing farmers and regional producers with easier access to external markets and reducing logistical costs.
• Collaboration in technology: With better infrastructure, the innovation and technology sectors will be able to collaborate more efficiently, especially in areas such as green energy and smart agriculture.

How can infrastructure support sustainable development and regional integration?

The A7 Highway has the potential to directly support sustainable development and regional integration in several ways:

• Green infrastructure: The A7 project can include elements of green infrastructure, such as charging stations for electric vehicles, thus reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly mobility.
• Economic diversification: Connecting economic zones will support diversification by developing new sectors, such as ecotourism, local crafts, and renewable energy.
• Energy efficiency: Shorter and more efficient routes will reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, thus aligning with EU sustainability objectives.

Regarding regional integration, the highway will strengthen supply chains between industries on both sides of the Danube and facilitate better coordination of economic activities. This will contribute to regional economic integration and reinforce cross-border cooperation.

What initiatives does the Lower Danube Euroregion Development Agency have to promote sustainable development in the context of the A7 Highway construction?

Our agency is considering several initiatives to ensure that the A7 Highway contributes to the sustainable development of the region:

• Green Corridors Program: We will promote the concept of green corridors along the highway to protect biodiversity and minimize environmental impact.
• Partnerships for renewable energy: The A7 could become a hub for renewable energy projects, such as the installation of solar panels along the highway route.
• Public transport networks: We will encourage the integration of public transport options linked to the A7 to help reduce the region’s carbon footprint.

Additionally, we are already collaborating with our partners in Romania to explore possibilities for joint cross-border projects that focus on sustainability and sustainable development.

Have you had discussions with Romanian partners to develop joint projects that promote cross-border cooperation?

Yes, we have had discussions with our Romanian partners to develop joint projects. These include initiatives for sustainable infrastructure development and the promotion of economic cooperation in the cross-border area. Among our priorities is the creation of cross-border energy networks and the implementation of projects based on circular economy models that maximize the benefits of the highway.

These discussions are essential to ensure that the A7 infrastructure development supports both the local economy and the sustainability of the region, bringing long-term sustainable benefits.

What measures are you considering to ensure that the highway development contributes to long-term sustainable growth?

To ensure that the A7 Highway contributes to sustainable growth, we are considering the following measures:

• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA): We will conduct rigorous assessments to minimize the ecological footprint of the highway’s construction and integrate eco-friendly practices into the construction process.
• Sustainable Transport Initiatives: We will develop policies that encourage the use of eco-friendly vehicles and will install charging stations for electric vehicles along the highway’s route.
• Community Involvement: It is important to engage local communities in the planning process to ensure that the highway brings equitable benefits, including job creation and improved access to markets.

How do you think the A7 highway will contribute to attracting new investments and improving regional cooperation?

The A7 Highway will have a significant effect on attracting new investments, especially in logistics and distribution centers, which will benefit from improved accessibility and the efficiency of cross-border transport. We also expect it to attract foreign direct investments (FDI) in areas such as renewable energy, manufacturing, and tourism.

The digital infrastructure sector will also benefit, as the highway will facilitate regional connectivity, stimulating investments in smart city technologies and advanced digital infrastructure solutions.

Which sectors are most likely to benefit from improved infrastructure and regional integration?

The sectors most likely to benefit the most from infrastructure improvements include:

• Agriculture: With faster access to markets, farmers will be able to transport perishable goods more efficiently, which will boost agricultural exports.
• Manufacturing: Producers will have easier access to international distribution networks, reducing transport costs and expanding markets for their products.
• Tourism: The highway will make tourist sites in the Lower Danube region more accessible, promoting cultural tourism and ecotourism.

Do you have recommendations to maximize the positive impact of the A7 Highway on cross-border cooperation and sustainable development?

To maximize the positive impact of the A7 Highway, we recommend:

• Developing a coordinated cross-border strategy: It is essential for Romania and Ukraine to collaborate in creating special economic zones and joint environmental protection strategies.
• Engaging in public-private partnerships (PPP): Private companies should be involved in co-financing sustainability-related projects, so that innovation and environmental protection are prioritized.
• Promoting green technologies: Encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly technologies and alternative energy sources along the highway will ensure that economic development is sustainable and resilient in the long term.

How can the agency collaborate more effectively with Romanian partners to develop initiatives in sustainability and regional development?

Our agency actively collaborates with Romanian partners to develop joint initiatives in sustainability. Bilateral projects, such as environmental monitoring programs and renewable energy initiatives, are essential to ensuring that the A7 Highway contributes to long-term regional development.

We also collaborate to create integrated regional tourism strategies that promote the Lower Danube as a unified tourist destination, using the highway to increase accessibility and the number of visitors.

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