News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Building on the successes of the Danube Hazard m3c project, the Tethys project was launched in January 2024. Funded by the Danube Regional Programme, Tethys will bring together 13 project partners and 10 associated strategic partners to address hazardous substances pollution in the Danube River Basin.

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).

The ICPDR is proud to announce its appointment as the formal host and Non-Country Member of the newly established Danube WILDisland Ramsar Regional Initiative (RRI). Approved by the 63rd meeting of the Standing Committee of the Convention on Wetlands, this initiative becomes the 22nd Ramsar Regional Initiative globally and the first river-based RRI in Europe.