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

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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.

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The ICPDR is proud to announce the publication of the 2024 Interim Report on the Implementation of the Joint Programme of Measures in the Danube River Basin. This report, released three years after the adoption of the Danube River Basin Management Plan (DRBMP) Update 2021, highlights the collaborative efforts and progress made by Danube countries over the past three years while reflecting on over two decades of advancements since the adoption of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD).

Key Highlights of the Report

The Interim Report provides an in-depth review of measures implemented across the basin, including:

  • Surface Water Pollution and Hydromorphological Alterations: An overview of actions taken to address pollution sources and improve river morphology.
  • Groundwater Pollution: Measures to mitigate contamination and protect vital groundwater resources.
  • Monitoring and Climate Change Measures: Insights into monitoring programs and efforts to address the impacts of climate change on water resources.
  • Inter-sectoral Cooperation: Collaborative initiatives that bridge various sectors to achieve sustainable water management.
  • Sturgeon Conservation: Efforts to protect and restore populations of this iconic and endangered species.

Financing and Public Participation

The report also emphasizes the importance of financing mechanisms for implementing the Joint Programme of Measures and highlights the significant role of public participation and stakeholder involvement in shaping and executing these initiatives.

Achievements and Challenges

The Interim Report celebrates notable improvements in the environmental health of the Danube River Basin, reflecting the dedication of ICPDR and its partners in implementing the EU WFD and the EU Floods Directive (FD). However, it also acknowledges the existing gaps in implementation and outlines the remaining challenges that need to be addressed to meet the ambitious goals of the WFD.

Looking Ahead

This report serves as both a milestone and a roadmap, summarizing progress to date while identifying key areas requiring continued focus. The ICPDR remains committed to fostering international collaboration and innovative solutions to ensure the sustainable management of the Danube River Basin.

The full report is available for download here.

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