update Updated 26 March 2025
category Climate change adaptation News
The Danube River, spanning 19 countries, is a lifeline for millions, shaping the region’s ecological and economic landscape; however, climate change is intensifying drought conditions, threatening water resources, ecosystems, and key sectors such as agriculture, navigation, and hydropower.
The ICPDR has developed an Overview Report on Droughts and Low Water Levels, examining challenges and opportunities regarding drought management policies, strategies, assessment tools and measures for the Danube River Basin. This effort involves experts from the Global Water Partnership Central and Eastern Europe (GWP CEE) and the Drought Management Centre for South-Eastern Europe (DMC CEE) as well as the input from all ICPDR Daube countries.
Findings show that the Danube River Basin is highly vulnerable to droughts. Changing precipitation patterns cause prolonged droughts, lower river levels, and increased risks of megadroughts. The retreat of glaciers in the upper basin further reduces water availability, affecting drinking water supply and ecosystems.
ICPDR Executive Secretary Birgit Vogel stresses the urgent need for stronger coordination:
Drought management across the Danube needs improvement. We need stronger coordination at both national and basin levels to tackle this challenge head-on.
The ICPDR has committed to implement a three-pillar integrated drought management:
- Drought Monitoring & Early Warning – Enhancing prediction systems
- Risk & Impact Assessment – Understanding vulnerabilities
- Mitigation & Preparedness – Developing management plans
In line with these three pillars, the ICPDR Drought Overview Report prioritizes key actions to strengthen resilience and ensure sustainable water management.