In line with the United Nations Agenda 2030, the European Green Deal and the Austrian government programme, the present Danube Action Programme sets the direction of development until 2030. The Danube Action Programme 2030 is a clear commitment to climate and environmental protection, to a resilient Danube waterway and to environmentally friendly and competitive inland navigation. The ambitious objectives in the field of ecology and Danube navigation reflect the multifunctional character and requirements of the Danube. In a total of ten work packages, integrative measures and initiatives were bundled to enable a balanced development of the Danube river basin in Austria - be it as a habitat for flora and fauna or as a waterway. Taking into account the challenges of climate change and the shifting priorities of European transport development, the Danube Action Programme 2030 is a milestone in the direct line of development of the objectives agreed upon by the former Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology (BMVIT) and viadonau and specifically adapts them to the current and future requirements for waterways and navigation.
BMVIT’s (since 2020 known as BMK - Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology) "Action Programme for the Danube 2022" ensured the balanced development and versatility of the Danube. The objectives of shipping, ecology and flood protection were combined for the first time. A total of 23 measures was bundled together into new initiatives, making it possible for new developments to take place in the Danube region within the jurisdiction of BMVIT’s respectively BMK's areas of responsibilities. The wide range of proposed measures reflected the multifunctional character and requirements of the Danube.
The objectives and anticipated effects were at the forefront of this programme. Progress was presented every two years in progress reports. Regular documentation should lead to critical thinking and the adaptation of plans to suit the current requirements of the programme.
The catalogue of measures to be taken has been developed in close consultation with the relevant key players. Intensive cooperation concerning complex issues regarding the Danube is considered to be the key to successful implementation.
Under Motivation & Megatrends you will find more information on the major topics that inform the Action Programme Danube 2030.