In his speech, Commissioner Hahn reported that over 100 contributions from governments and other stakeholders were received during the public consultation, speaking of "a true Danube boom".

Out of the proposals made, the Commission would now try to select those actions which command the widest support, and which are the most urgently needed. Priority actions should serve the interest of the region as a whole, and - last but not least – clearly they have to be realistic and achievable. The Commission therefore suggested three main focuses for the consultation process, socio-economic issues, the environment and connectivity.

Hahn named some examples of issues that should be tackled in the frame of the Danube Strategy: Romoving obstacles for economic growth, building up an annual business forum for the Danube Region and an innovation-friendly environment focusing on education and research, backed by entrepreneurship and risk capital. Moreover, the he Strategy should promote inter-cultural and religious dialogues, inter-community cultural events and networks, and as well as language skills and scholarship programmes.

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