The project aims to improve the management of functional urban areas in the Danube region. In this way, FUNDA significantly contributes to reducing social and infrastructural inequalities in these areas while also promoting their inclusion in decision-making processes.

FUNDA focuses on addressing these shortcomings through its project activities. The main objective is to strengthen institutional capacity for managing Functional Urban Areas (FUAs) in the Danube region. This will be achieved by developing common strategies, methodologies, and digital tools to enable more connected, participatory, and efficient management.

A key guiding principle of the project is to recognize Danube functional urban areas as not only a technical and geographical concept but also as spaces for cooperation between cities and their surrounding areas. The main success factors include (1) data support, (2) stakeholder involvement, and (3) transnational learning.

Through three primary activities—functional urban area analysis, participatory planning, and the development of management models—FUNDA is creating pilot projects that focus on public services (with an emphasis on social services), as well as economic and green infrastructure. The outcomes will include transferable management models, a digital FUA monitoring platform, and a unified strategy for the entire region.

 

Lechner Non-profit Ltd. (Hungary)