We, the Representatives of the Member States of the Danube Commission,

express our serious concern about the increasingly frequent occurrence of periods of extreme water levels on the Danube River and the growing consequences thereof for navigation, economic connectivity, energy security, aquatic ecosystems and the sustainable development of the Danube region.

The Danube is a vital transboundary artery connecting countries, economies, communities and people. The reliable functioning of the river is of strategic importance not only for the transport sector, but also for energy security, industry, tourism, water resources and the protection of Europe’s natural heritage.

We acknowledge that low water levels are already having a significant impact on navigation. Restrictions on vessel draught, the need to reduce cargo loads, extended transport times and the inability to reliably plan shipments result in significant economic losses and reduce the competitiveness of inland waterway transport. This places additional pressure on rail and road infrastructure and increases the costs and emissions resulting from the diversion of cargo.

We emphasize that the issue goes beyond navigation. Prolonged periods of low water levels have complex impacts on river ecosystems, wetlands and associated aquatic habitats. They may affect fish migration and reproduction, water quality and temperature, connectivity between the river and floodplain areas, and overall biodiversity.

Low water levels also represent a challenge for the energy sector, including with regard to hydropower generation, cooling and the operation of certain energy facilities, as well as the reliability of energy and industrial supply chains.

At the same time, recognizing the seriousness of low water levels must be accompanied by an understanding that the Danube is one interconnected river system. Actions taken in one part of the river may have implications for other sections and for other countries. Therefore, solutions must be based on coordination, scientific evidence, cross-border exchange of information and a balance between navigation, economic, environmental and water-management needs.

In this context, we reaffirm our firm commitment to continue implementing the commitments and initiatives undertaken by the Danube Commission and its Member States. The current challenges related to low water levels and climate change do not weaken our joint efforts, but rather serve as an additional impetus to accelerate their implementation and undertake new, coordinated actions.

We will continue to work together to improve navigation conditions, promote the sustainable development of the Danube Corridor, and ensure a balanced approach to transport, economic, energy and environmental interests.

We call for a strengthened coordinated response of the European Union and Member States of the Danube Commission, including through:

• Improving the monitoring and forecasting of water levels, including through enhanced exchange of hydrological, meteorological and navigation-related data among the Danube countries.
• Developing better coordinated measures for managing periods of low water levels, based on common data, transparent procedures and coordinated action along the entire course of the river.
• Accelerating investment in the resilience of the Danube transport corridor, including in appropriate infrastructure, information systems and solutions that improve navigation predictability without compromising the ecological status of the river.
• Strengthening research and assessment of the impacts of climate change on the Danube, so that infrastructure and water-management decisions take into account the expected increase in the frequency and duration of extreme hydrological events.
• Ensuring closer links between transport, water, energy and nature conservation policies, so that adaptation measures are mutually reinforcing rather than sectorially fragmented.
• Supporting the resilience of river ecosystems, including through restoring, where feasible and appropriate, the natural connectivity of the river with floodplain areas, wetlands and side channels.
• Mobilizing financial instruments of the European Union and Member States of the Danube Commission for climate change adaptation, sustainable transport, water infrastructure, ecosystem resilience and digital monitoring of the river.
• Developing a common approach to risk management in the event of extreme low water levels, taking into account the safety and efficiency of navigation, the needs of the economy, environmental requirements and the sustainable use of water resources.
• Developing and approving a long-term programme for the development of the Danube as a sustainable, reliable deep-water navigable waterway, taking into account the policy of developing European transport corridors running along the Danube.

We are convinced that the resilience of the Danube cannot be achieved through one-off or isolated measures. What is needed is long-term, coordinated and evidence-based management of the river, combining the economic and transport functions of the Danube with its key role for nature, water resources, food and energy security. In this context, close cooperation among the relevant international river commissions, including the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River and the International Sava River Basin Commission, as well as with relevant sectors, will be essential to strengthen coordinated and sustainable management of the Danube Basin.

We believe that the Member States of the Danube Commission, their regional and local authorities, relevant institutions of the European Union, international organizations and all interested stakeholders need to further strengthen their cooperation and make adaptation to low water levels and other extreme hydrological events a common strategic priority for the Danube Region.

The Danube is a shared resource, a shared responsibility and a common European connection. Its resilience requires common solutions.

https://www.danubecommission.org/dc/en/2026/08/12/public-statement-of-the-representatives-of-the-member-states-of-the-danube-commission/