Danube River Basin

The Danube river basin is located in central and south-eastern Europe and is shared by 19 countries, making it the world’s most international river basin.

The Danube river basin hosts a tremendous diversity of ecosystems, ranging from glaciated mountains and hills covered in forests to low-lying areas. This natural richness paired with its vast area and its many smaller rivers and streams make the management of the Danube River basin challenging.

Historically, the water from the river basin has mostly been used for agriculture. In the past decades, industry and hydropower energy production have become additional major water consumers in the area. This change is putting the river basin under pressure. The exacerbation of weather events due to climate change and the increase in population add to it. In addition, pollution by organic and hazardous substances reduces the supply of clean water. Furthermore, the river basin faces changes to its overall composition including an increase in invasive species, pollution on the groundwater level and the quality and quantity of sediment.

Working together with local stakeholders will be crucial for the results of GoNEXUS, which aim to shape the basin’s future through developing scenarios of what the basin could look like in 2030.  Following a period of data collection in the river basin, our researchers will organise a tailored Nexus Dialogue to meet with local actors and to determine the next steps and solutions which should be applied to the Danube river basin.

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