The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe. Starting in Germany, it flows through numerous Central and Eastern European countries until, almost 3,000 kilometres later, it feeds into the Black Sea via an impressive delta. The Danube’s valuable ecosystem must receive the best possible protection across national borders. This is why the Danube River Protection Convention was signed 30 years ago, on 29 June 1994, establishing the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR). Within the ICPDR, 14 countries and the European Union are working together to reduce nutrient inputs and pollutant discharge, improve water body structure and continuity and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The ICPDR also addresses flood protection and procedure for cases of water contamination. The Federal Environment Ministry heads the German delegation to the ICPDR and, together with the German riparian states, is committed to protecting the Danube and the people living in its catchment area.
Danube Day takes place every year on 29 June in the ICPDR countries, with activities on and in the water, to draw attention to the importance of joint efforts to protect the Danube.
The 30th anniversary of the ICPDR’s cooperation and the 20th Danube Day were celebrated in June 2024 in Bratislava, Slovakia. An exhibition in the city centre of Bratislava presented the Danube and its significance for the countries in its catchment area.