Call for application to host the 2029 Euro-INBO international Conference

The International Network of River Basin Organizations (INBO) is issuing a call for applications to host the Euro-INBO International Conference of European River Basin Organizations in 2029. This international event, held every two years, brings together stakeholders from the EU, its neighboring countries, countries in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and Central Asia to discuss Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) at the level of river basins, lakes, and aquifers, as well as the implementation of the Water Framework Directive and the European Union (EU)’s water-related public policies. 

Why apply? 

Hosting Euro-INBO 2029 is a unique opportunity to:

• Position your country as a leader in sustainable water resources management.
• Strengthen partnerships with EU river basin organizations, EU candidate countries, countries in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, the EU’s neighboring countries, as well as countries farther away geographically but interested in European policies for planning integrated water resources management (IWRM) at the basin level.
• Share your innovations and best practices in IWRM, as well as your experiences in implementing water policies and regulations in Europe and the European Union’s Water Framework Directive 
• Gain international visibility among key stakeholders in the sector, notably by holding the presidency of Euro-INBO for the period 2029–2031

Background and Objectives

Euro-INBO aims to:

• Promote dialogue regarding the different models and variations in the application of IWRM tools and methodologies at the basin level developed within the EU to implement the Water Framework Directive and associated policies, regulations, and directives.
• Share experiences, tools, and methodologies for the sustainable management of water resources.
• Strengthen European and international cooperation among stakeholders in the water sector and river basin organizations, including on transboundary waters. 
• Consolidate and revitalize the network of basin organizations to promote cooperation and coordination of their actions.
• Highlight the host country as a key player in sustainable water management by showcasing its expertise and local context.
• Facilitate progress on projects and cooperation in the field of IWRM and the implementation of basin management plans within the framework of the WFD.

Event Profile

• Target audience: 200 to 300 delegates (representatives of river basin organizations, national governments, local authorities, international financial institutions, European institutions, United Nations agencies, and partner technical institutions).
• Participation in the Conference is free of charge for delegates (including access to sessions and social events). Delegates are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses.
• Official languages: English, French, and the local language of the host country if necessary and desired.
• Format: 100% in-person over 4 consecutive days, including:
  • interactive technical workshops, held sequentially or in parallel (1 day)
  • 1 high-level political opening session (½ day)
  • 5 thematic plenary sessions (1.5 days)
  • A technical and cultural visit (½ to 1 day)

How to apply?

Please return the completed application form to secretariat@inbo-news.org before January 31st, 2027.

Applications received will be evaluated in February/March 2027 and the announcement of the selected host country will take place on May 28th, 2027, during the closing cremony of the 2027 Euro-INBO conference in brussels.