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

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.

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.

As the climate crisis worsens, severe droughts devastate European landscapes. According to the data published by the European Drought Observatory, more than 60% of land in the European Union and United Kingdom – an area nearly the same size as India (!) – is now affected by drought conditions. The Danube River Basin and the Danube itself have been affected by serious droughts in the past, e.g., in 2003, 2015, and now again one of the most feared natural phenomenon has gripped much of the Danube River Basin.

With a total area of over 800,000 km², the Danube River Basin covers 10% of Continental Europe. While the main river flows through ten countries, the full basin including its tributaries covers nine more. It is a unique artery through the heart of Europe, connecting East to West, and Black Forest to Black Sea.

In 2015 significant parts of the Danube River Basin were affected by droughts which negatively impacted different water-dependent economic sectors, vegetation and the aquatic environment. This is the latest of a series of drought events which occurred in Europe during the last decade.

The Danube River has many faces. In this photo gallery, some impressions are presented that show the diversity of this river. The pictures were taken by Victor Mello.

"The Danube - Europe's Amazon" is a 2012 documentary in two parts that portrays the Danube's journey from the Black Forest to the Black Sea. The ICPDR acted as a co-producer in this project. Here you can see the trailer.

Vienna, 14 June 2011. The ICPDR published a new brochure that gives an overview on the Danube River Basin last week. The publication is not limited to environmental issues alone, but includes facts and figures on a range of topics. It is distributed through the ICPDR and its contracting parties and provided for download below.