Baseline Situation & Challenges

In densely populated Europe, waterways are more important today than ever before. This is especially true for the Danube. On its way, it transits ten countries and connects the Atlantic with the Black Sea via the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal and thus not only oceans but also world markets. 
Since 2011, the Danube riparian states have been pooling their know-how and resources under the umbrella of the European Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) and within the framework of various European projects in order to jointly modernise navigation and the waterway in a targeted and responsible manner.
The ongoing optimisation of a resilient infrastructure  adapted to the water levels and the simultaneous improvement of the ecological condition in the free-flowing stretches is a top priority. The BMK and viadonau aim at anchoring the best practices and experiences in this regard in the Danube Region.

Planned Activities

  • Danube-wide monitoring and coordination role regarding standards in integrative waterway management
  • Support infrastructure development by providing best practices
  • Harmonise pro-active waterway management along the entire corridor through cooperation and exchange of experience with other European waterway administrations and stakeholders