DANUBE FAB strengthens operational and strategic cooperation under the SES2+ framework

Bucharest, Romania — The DANUBE Functional Airspace Block advanced its cross-border aviation cooperation this week, hosting two complementary high-level meetings on 11–12 November 2025: the 25th ANSP Board and the 25th Governing Council. Together, these meetings reaffirmed the commitment of Bulgaria and Romania to deliver safe, efficient and future-ready air navigation services within the evolving framework of the Single European Sky (SES).

Operational cooperation gains momentum at the 25th ANSP Board

Held on 11 November, the 25th ANSP Board brought together the two air navigation service providers, BULATSA and ROMATSA, for a focused and pragmatic review of their cooperation activities.

The participants recognised the strong operational partnership that continues to underpin DANUBE FAB, welcoming the progress made on priority activities such as Free Route Airspace and InterFAB Coordination. As these initiatives have now reached a steady level of maturity, the Board agreed they should continue as ongoing joint efforts. This natural evolution reflects both the achievements to date and the commitment to maintain them going forward.

The meeting also highlighted the essential role of DANUBE FAB in major European innovation programmes. Both providers reviewed their contributions to SESAR 3, notably in Trajectory-Based Operations (TBO) and advanced data exchange. These initiatives are helping to prepare European skies for more predictable, better-connected traffic flows.

Looking ahead, the ANSP Board noted the successful preparation and delivery of 2025 activities and turned to 2026 planning. Participation in Airspace World 2026 — already well underway — will provide a significant platform to showcase DANUBE FAB’s progress, technical expertise, and partnership-driven approach.

With continued collaboration, the ANSP Board set the operational direction for the coming period and elevated its recommendations to the Governing Council.

States reaffirm long-term vision at the 25th Governing Council

The tone shifted from technical to strategic on 12 November, when representatives from transport ministries, civil aviation authorities, and the two ANSPs gathered for the 25th Governing Council.

At this level, discussions centred on the long-term outlook of DANUBE FAB within the new SES2+ environment. Bulgaria and Romania confirmed that national frameworks have been aligned with Regulation (EU) 2024/2803, reinforcing a stable basis for continued cross-border service provision and closer coordination between national authorities and ANSPs.

The Governing Council endorsed the proposals arising from the ANSP Board and NSA Board, confirming Free Route Airspace and InterFAB collaboration as ongoing pillars of FAB cooperation. This decision signals continuity while acknowledging the maturity and established value of these projects.

Council members also reviewed the evolution of the FAB’s governance and planning framework. With development underway on the next multi-year Strategic Programme, the focus remains on building a resilient and forward-looking cooperative structure capable of responding to future European initiatives.

The Governing Council also met with Mr Predrag Vranjkovic, Head of Strategy, Engagement and Institutional Relations at EUROCONTROL, who presented an update on the Agency’s Strategy Refresh (Trajectory 2030). His participation enabled a constructive exchange on strategic priorities and reflected EUROCONTROL’s continued interest in engaging with DANUBE FAB and supporting coordinated regional efforts.

By reinforcing cooperation at the State level, the Governing Council reaffirmed DANUBE FAB’s role as a stable and proactive contributor to European ATM.

A strong, future-ready partnership

Together, the ANSP Board, NSA Board, and the Governing Council meetings underscored the dual strength of DANUBE FAB: a robust operational partnership and an aligned political–strategic vision.

With SES2+ implementation progressing and SESAR initiatives accelerating, both the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania reiterated their readiness to drive innovation, deliver high-performance services, and support a safer, more sustainable European airspace.

DANUBE FAB will continue to act as a solid platform for cooperation, ensuring that cross-border services remain efficient and fully aligned with European priorities.

For more information, visit www.danubefab.eu, or contact us at contact@danubefab.eu.