The macro-regional approach of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) focuses on better coordination of policies and implementation of development programs in regions and in the countries, EU members or non-members, which the Danube crosses. The operation of the strategy is based on the three “NO” - no additional EU funds, no new institutions and no new legislation – thus imposing a greater coherence between funds, structures and policies. Although a number of macro actions have been successfully implemented, the European Commission has recently emphasized the need for a more “intelligent” use of the existing resources. In this context, the paper analyzes the financial instruments that can support the implementation of EUSDR projects and the institutions involved in financing these projects. The analysis uses the most recent official data, official documents published by the European Commission and other institutions in the field. The main conclusion of the paper is that the alignment of funding sources with the objectives of the strategy and shortening the path from the idea embodied in a project proposal to the financing of the project and turning it into reality is a challenging process for all involved “actors”.