As climate change and demand increase, water is becoming increasingly scarce and competition for limited water resources could cause tensions and conflicts between countries and communities.
But under the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube (ICPDR), 14 countries and the EU have committed to implementing the 1994 Danube River Protection Convention, with the ICPDR becoming a role model for the transboundary management of shared river basins around the world.
It allows countries and the EU to cooperate closely on water management issues and ensure that surface waters and groundwater within the Danube River Basin are managed and used sustainably and equitably.
The ICPDR also supports the UN's commitment to sustainable water resources management in the Danube Basin. Through its ongoing efforts, the ICPDR leads by example, fostering initiatives that protect water resources, promote peace, stability, security and prosperity, and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
EU and ICPDR cooperation
Since 1994, the EU and ICPDR have cooperated closely on many projects. For example, the ongoing 'WePass project' financed by the EU aims to make the Iron Gate dams on the border of Serbia and Romania passable for the Danube sturgeon, identified as a flagship species by the ICPDR. The project is restoring river continuity, making it possible for fish to migrate along the Danube River from the Black Sea.
Most recently, the ICPDR is supporting the European Commission’s #WaterWiseEU campaign, under the slogan “See Water Differently”. The campaign aims to stimulate an EU-wide conversation about the increasing water-related challenges, as well as the solutions to address them, including the need for transboundary cooperation.
Join the celebrations for Danube Day organised by the ICPDR. Danube Day is an annual event, paying tribute to the Danube, mobilising people to take action and illustrating the spirit of cooperation of the ICPDR countries.
Transboundary water cooperation as an EU priority
Over 60% of river basins in Europe are transboundary, so many EU countries rely heavily on waters that originate outside of their borders. The EU has the most advanced legal and policy framework on water, particularly on water quality and flood prevention, and the Water Framework Directive is a leading supranational water protection instrument.
Internationally, developing transboundary water cooperation, as a catalyst for peace and security is a long-standing EU priority, as highlighted in the latest Council Conclusions on Green Diplomacy (18 March 2024) and at the UN 2023 Water Conference. A key objective of EU water diplomacy is to engage in fostering cooperative approaches to address the challenges of transboundary water management.
Building on its commitment during the 10th World Water Forum in May 2024, the EU has launched a new partnership with the International Network of Basin Organisations, supporting peer-learning partnerships between aquifer, lake and river basin organisations from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This new action is part of a broader approach to implementing the Global Gateway through water cooperation. Specific attention is being paid to the strengthening of institutional frameworks, human capacities, and means for planning and implementation among basin organisations.
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Background
Transboundary water cooperation refers to any interactions between countries concerning the use and protection of shared rivers, lakes and aquifers. It is essential for sustainable development, peace, and security. Cooperation is also vital for adequately addressing water scarcity, protecting biodiversity, combating pollution, flood management and fostering stronger economies. International cooperation frameworks and hydro-diplomacy are also needed to prevent future conflicts over water resources.
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Details
- Publication date
- 27 June 2024
- Author
- Directorate-General for Environment
