News & Media

(Press Release) VIENNA, 22 March 2024 – The International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) is joining the global community in observing World Water Day on March 22nd 2024, and commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Danube River Protection Convention (DRPC). This year's theme, "Water for Peace," underscores the critical role of water management in fostering peace, supporting communities, and sustaining our environment, reflecting three decades of transboundary cooperation under the Convention.

The ICPDR is excited to announce the launch of our digital newsletter, "Danube Watch", marking a new era in our ongoing commitment to the Danube River Basin. This newsletter, scheduled to reach your inbox up to four times a year, is your portal to the latest stories and updates from the vibrant world of the Danube.

The official website of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River, www.icpdr.org, has undergone a complete makeover. Over the years, our website has grown in content, making navigation increasingly challenging. Our new design not only enhances accessibility through intuitive navigation but also adheres to cutting-edge usability standards.

With the start of her tenure as our Executive Secretary last summer, Birgit Vogel has set out to prioritize building solid professional relationships with ICPDR stakeholders and members, planning to personally visit as many Danube countries as possible. Ms. Vogel met with Uroš Brežan. Slovenian Water Minister, and a broad range of water actors on her latest visit to Slovenia.

The Danube Declaration 2022, the result of the 4th ICPDR Ministerial Meeting, presents a comprehensive overview of crucial initiatives and goals for the region. To make the Declaration more accessible to the general public, the ICPDR's Public Participation Expert Group has condensed its content into a concise summary. The outcome is a 3-page brochure that summarizes the main messages and implications of the Declaration in an easy-to-understand format.

The 2021 Annual Report provides detailed insight into an eventful year for the ICPDR– from the updates of the two Management plans and the return of in-person Danube Day events to the completion of the fourth Joint Danube Survey (JDS4). The 2021 Annual Report depicts this broad spectrum of ICPDR activities. It illustrates the ICPDRʼs ever-broadening commitment as needed by the multi-faceted nature of the Danube River itself.

8th March 2022, VIENNA – The ICPDR has announced Birgit Vogel as its new Executive Secretary. Ms. Vogel will be taking on the role later this year following the retirement of Ivan Zavadsky after nearly a decade in the role.

VIENNA, 8 February, International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (Press Release) – Two updated Management Plans for the Danube River Basin have been endorsed in the ICPDR’s first online Danube Ministerial Meeting today.

VIENNA, 17 March 2020 – Following recent developments of the coronavirus, and in line with both the measures taken by the Austrian authorities, and the advice from the Vienna International Centre Medical Service, I have instructed all staff of the ICPDR Secretariat to work from home.