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Hot summers and recurring droughts are no longer a marginal phenomenon in southern and central Europe.

VIENNA, 29 June 2026, the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) invites the 79 million people in the 14 Danube countries to take part in Danube Day – this year under the motto: “United by Danube”. On 29 June, communities from the Black Forest to the Black Sea will share celebrations on riverbanks, in parks, and at local venues to honour the Danube River and its vital role in providing water, food, power, recreation, and livelihood.

With just one month to go until Danube Day 2026, preparations are well underway across the Danube River Basin. On 29 June, countries, communities, schools, institutions and organizations throughout the region will come together to celebrate the Danube and the shared responsibility to protect it.

On 29 June 2026, countries across the Danube River Basin will once again come together to celebrate Danube Day, an annual tradition launched by the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) in 2004.

This week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) hosts its 69th General Conference, with this year’s Scientific Forum themed Atoms for Water. The event, running from 16–17 September 2025, brings together global experts to explore how nuclear and isotopic techniques can address water scarcity, climate resilience, and sustainable management.

At the recent High-Level and Technical Conference in Brdo pri Kranju, Slovenia, ICPDR Executive Secretary Ms. Vogel underscored the important need for stronger coordination in drought management across the Danube region. The conference brought together regional and international organizations to address climate change adaptation challenges in South-Eastern Europe.

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia – In a powerful address at the 10th Meeting of Parties (MOP10), ICPDR President Vladimír Novák of Slovakia reaffirmed the ICPDR’s commitment to safeguarding the Danube River Basin for future generations, particularly as climate change accelerates. This past June marked the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Danube River Protection Convention (DRPC). Signed in Sofia, Bulgaria, the DRPC laid the foundation for the ICPDR’s mission of transboundary cooperation in water management for the Danube River Basin.

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has released its latest report, “Europe’s State of Water 2024: The Need for Improved Water Resilience,” shedding light on the growing challenges to Europe’s water security. The report, which draws on data from the 3rd River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs), highlights significant pressures on surface and groundwater bodies across Europe, emphasizing the need for immediate action to strengthen water resilience.

VIENNA, 29 June 2023 – The International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River is delighted to announce the highly anticipated 2023 Danube Day festivities.