Source of life and welfare, the Danube River is fundamental for eastern and central European countries, and marked the history of all its cultures and civilizations. The aim of this article is to present its social, cultural, economic role and the essential and fundamental valor of biodiversity. The approach proposed in this paper is based on the recognition of the multinational and multicultural particularities in the Danube area and is focused on the analysis and the importance of the local cultural synergy. We use the pragmatic interdisciplinary paradigm and our academic observation would be impartial, objective and ethical.

The article discusses the position of Russian and Ukrainian critical thought about the origin and development of the neorealism of the early twentieth century. For the analysis of selected works of Russian literary critics and writers E. Koltonovskoy, P. Kogan, M. Voloshin, E. Zamyatin, V. Keldish and others. Widely used controversial positions I. Franko, Lesia Ukrainka the development of realism in the early twentieth century. As a practical proof of neorealism elected comparative analysis of short stories I. Shmelev and V. Pidmogylnogo.

For any country, attracting investment is an important concern, because they lead to economic recovery and growth. For Republic of Moldova, a country without natural resources, but at the same time with a very high potential human, attracting foreign investment is one of the ways that lead to stable economic growth. Therefore, it is necessary to form a favorable investment climate not only at the macroeconomic level, but also in enterprises. As a result of regular monitoring of policies for attracting foreign investment will lead to the key to success over a longer period to promote investment and at the same time optimizing their benefits. The theme proposed by the author is in tune with the needs of the economy, and therefore the interests of Moldovan entrepreneurs.

The complex historical destiny of Ukrainian Danube region in the nineteenth century led to the fact that by the end of this century, in the counties of the region peasant self-government was organized in different ways: in Akkerman – according to the reform in 1868, carried out by the Russian authorities in Bessarabia, and in Ismail – in accordance with the reforms of 1864-1874 years conducted by the Romanian government. The author compares and analyzes the peasant selfgovernment in the counties of the province in the context of its sociocultural development in the unfolding process of modernization of the late XIX – early XX centuries.

The research into innovation transfer in the global economy is a very urgent issue under the modern conditions of development of any country. Comparative characteristics of technology transfer in such countries and regions as the USA, EU, Asia, presented in the article, permit us to detect certain patterns of this process inherent both in developed and developing countries. The analysis made in the article can be useful for developing technology transfer processes in the Danube countries’ economy. The analytical method used in this research allowed us to determine the factor that is crucial for the growth of the world market of high-technology products and services. The analysis was conducted on several criteria such as the level of expenditure on R&D in the whole global economy, as well as in individual countries and regions. Besides, there were taken into account the added value of high-tech industries and the share of expenditure on R&D in total production costs. The conclusions regarding the effectiveness of funds allocated for scientific research and experimental development in the U.S. can be drawn on the basis of data presented in the paper on the amount of added value of the U.S. high-tech industries.

Objectives: The main objective of the paper is to highlight the role of cultural diplomacy for strengthening the international cooperation within the Danube macro-region. Prior Work: Some leading points of view in the field of cultural diplomacy serve as a theoretical background of the paper. In order to prove the theses of the research, existing empirical results are discussed and analyzed. Approach: The research uses interdisciplinary approach to conceptualization of cultural diplomacy and applies the methods of observation and systematic analysis and synthesis. Results: The presented empirical data indicate that some measures and actions are needed in the Danube macroregion in order to enhance the culture-based awareness of its citizens and intensify the intercultural cooperation. The establishment of a University Centre for Cultural Diplomacy in the Danube Region (UCDR) is presented as a possible tool for the achievement of this goal. Implications: The results of the study can be interesting for public authorities and academics. Value: the promotion of the idea for UCDR is the first of its kind.

The article highlights the problems connected with the identification, defining and translation of terms in such spheres of the Danube region businesses as: shipping, trade and financing.

The EU has been misunderstood as a purely economic community for a long time. It should not be forgotten that the EU is a community of values in the first place even if the EU's economy plays an important role for the whole World. The crisis has a firm grip on Europe. Every day there are more and more comments of those who have already predicted the downfall of the EU. The value of our common currency and even more the importance of our shared values of Europe appear to be in free fall. The Treaty on European Union (as amended by the Lisbon Treaty) mentioned these values in Article 2. These values are common to all Member States with a society, which is characterized by pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men. “Europe has become a role model. The universal appeal of our values is reflected in the countries of our southern and eastern neighbors. Unlike in the past, these values are not mediated by subjugation and colonization, but by voluntary acceptance when we share them. This applies to our community. This also applies to our relationship with our neighbors and the world. The purpose of this paper is to describe the most fundamental European values as well as their significance for our society. It shows why these values are the basis for our modern and democratic societies today. The paper points out how these values are going to be like in the future, during the deepest crisis of the EU.

This article provides the analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the Action Plan of EU Strategy for the Danube Region for Ukraine, investigates why the priorities of this document does not reflect the specific interests of Ukraine in the Danube region.