News & Media

The 2024 Interim Report on the Implementation of the Joint Programme of Measures in the Danube River Basin is Published

The 2024 Interim report on the Implementation of the Joint Program of Measures in the Danube River Basin has been published This Interim Report on the Implementation of the Joint Programme of Measures in the Danube River Basin, published three years after the adoption of the DRBMP Update 2021, reflects accomplishments and progress made together by Danube countries over the past three years, but also looking back at the adoption of the EU WFD more than 20 years ago.

Danube Art Master Awards 2024
News & Media

Danube Art Master Competition 2024: International Winners Announced

VIENNA, 16 December 2024 (Press Release) – The International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) proudly announced the winners of this year's Danube Art Master competition during its 27th Ordinary Meeting at the Vienna International Centre.

Full conference room, with a man's face on the screen
News & Media

27th ICPDR Ordinary Meeting Highlights Regional Collaboration

On Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 December 2024, the ICPDR held its 27th Ordinary Meeting at the Vienna International Centre. The event brought together Heads of Delegation and Heads of Delegation representatives from all Contracting Parties, expert group chairs, observers, and invited guests, along with online participants. Chaired by 2024 ICPDR President Vladimír Novák of Slovakia, this meeting served as a critical forum for advancing regional cooperation and sustainable water management within the Danube River Basin.

Photo of a screen with a few people, one of them is speaking
News & Media

ICPDR President Reaffirms Commitment to Danube River Basin Sustainability at UNECE's MOP10

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia – In a powerful address at the 10th Meeting of Parties (MOP10), ICPDR President Vladimír Novák of Slovakia reaffirmed the ICPDR’s commitment to safeguarding the Danube River Basin for future generations, particularly as climate change accelerates. This past June marked the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Danube River Protection Convention (DRPC). Signed in Sofia, Bulgaria, the DRPC laid the foundation for the ICPDR’s mission of transboundary cooperation in water management for the Danube River Basin.

two girls giving their back to the camera, hold an EU flag
News & Media

European Youth Gather in Hungary to Address Water and Biodiversity Challenges

From October 20-26, 2024, more than 100 young people from across Europe are meeting in Budapest and Szolnok, Hungary to take part in the 16th European Youth Parliament for Water (EYPW). Since 1998, these parliaments have provided a platform for young people to discuss and act on critical water-related issues. This year’s event focuses on the connection between water and biodiversity, a growing concern due to pollution, over-extraction, and climate change.

Drawn image of mountains in blue against a yellow background and in the front a river, with the name of the publication at the bottom left and a logo on the top left
News & Media

New Report Highlights the Urgent Need for Improved Water Resilience Across Europe

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has released its latest report, “Europe’s State of Water 2024: The Need for Improved Water Resilience,” shedding light on the growing challenges to Europe’s water security. The report, which draws on data from the 3rd River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs), highlights significant pressures on surface and groundwater bodies across Europe, emphasizing the need for immediate action to strengthen water resilience.

Six individuals are facing the camera - with a larege screen behind their backs as well as roll ups. They are staning behind green chairs in front of a large desk
News & Media

Conference on Microplastics in Drinking Water Highlights the Danube Region's Efforts to Safeguard Public Health

On October 3, 2024, Budapest hosted an important conference, “From Source to Tap,” focused on microplastics in drinking water, one of the most pressing environmental concerns faced today. This event brought together leading experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the rising concern of microplastics and the challenges of ensuring safe and clean drinking water for the Danube region. With more than 110 registrations, the conference indicated a significant public and professional interest on the matter.

Barge in water
News & Media

The Sava Commission, Danube Commission, and ICPDR Convene for the Launch of the Joint Statement 2.0 Process

The Sava Commission, Danube Commission, and ICPDR have come together to launch the Joint Statement 2.0 process, marking a significant step forward in harmonizing navigation and environmental protection in the Danube River Basin. With the first Stakeholder Workshop underway, this updated framework aims to address new challenges, including climate change impacts, sustainable transport, and innovative river management solutions. Discover how this initiative is set to shape the future of the region's waterways.

volunteers put collected plastic bottle waste in trash bags
News & Media

Turning Trash into Triumph: The Story of the PLASTIC Cup

Discover how an extraordinary boat race using discarded plastic has become a symbol of hope and action in the fight against pollution. Supported by the ICPDR, this remarkable initiative has removed hundreds of tons of waste from tributaries of the Danube River and inspired thousands to join the mission for cleaner waters. From its humble beginnings to becoming an EU flagship project, learn how one man's vision has transformed river cleanups into a powerful community movement.

Drawing of people and a bubble
News & Media

Public Participation Schedule WFD & FD Published for Consultation

Vienna, 30 June 2024. In alignment with Article 14 of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD), public participation in drafting River Basin Management Plans needs to be ensured. The ICPDR is now providing a blueprint for Public Participation activities for the development of the fourth Danube River Basin Management Plan (4th DRBMP Update) until 2027 and the third Danube River Basin Flood Risk Management Plan (3rd DFRMP Update).