News

Barely a month after hosting the 24th ICPDR Standing Working Group Meeting in Uzhhorod, Ukraine, brought the Danube community together again. On July 24th, Ukraine hosted its 6th National Participation Day in Odesa as part of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR). The event highlighted the alignment between the priorities of Ukraine’s ICPDR Presidency and the country’s path towards EU membership.

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.

The ICPDR looks back proudly at Austria’s Long Night of Research! Held at the Vienna International Centre on 24th May, this event invited curious minds to engage with the brilliant scientists and researchers shaping our future. Along with other Vienna-based UN organizations, the ICPDR participated in this year's Austria-wide event, which included more than 200 institutions opening their doors to the public.

Addressing transboundary riverine litter pollution demands a multifaceted strategy, incorporating harmonized actions, standardized measurements, advanced waste management techniques, and heightened awareness on an international scale.
Our new publication fills a critical gap, emphasizing the need for regulatory frameworks to establish effective waste management systems and deter illegal waste disposal.

Despite the EU's advanced waste management and ambitious recycling objectives, studies still indicate the presence of macro and microplastic pollution in EU rivers. The Tid(y)Up project focuses on improving water quality and reducing plastic pollution in the Tisza River, which is long considered one of Europe’s most heavily contaminated rivers.

(Press Release) VIENNA, 28 February (International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River) – Serbia has now taken over the Presidency of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) and has announced its priorities for the upcoming term. Incoming President Vedrana Ilić who is Serbia’s Assistant Minister responsible for international relations at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, presented Serbia’s goals hopes for its tenure, during an online ceremony.

(Press Release) VIENNA, 26 January (International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River) – Romania is taking over the 2022 Presidency of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR). Incoming President Róbert–Eugen Szép set out some goals for his forthcoming term at an online event, describing Romania’s plans for the all-important Danube Ministerial Meeting 2022.

Vienna, 14 September 2018 – The 9th Workshop on the follow-up of the Joint Statement on Guiding Principles on the Development of Inland Navigation and Environmental Protection in the Danube River Basin took place on 13th and 14th September at the Vienna International Centre in Vienna. In attendance were 60 experts from national administrations, EU and international institutions, responsible government authorities and representatives of interest groups, all stakeholders who contribute to the sustainability of the Joint Statement initiative in the current state of legal and policy frameworks of integrated river basin management and environmental protection.