Transboundary Cooperations

2024. 01. 05.

TRANSBOUNDARY COOPERATIONS

Due to the basin-like geographical location of Hungary in the ring of the Alps and the Carpathians, more than 95% of the surface water resources come from beyond our borders, and a significant part of our groundwater bodies are also divided by borders.

Due to the topographic and hydrographic features, Hungary's flood risk is also outstanding in Europe, thus almost 1/4 of the country's territory is threatened by floods.

In order to ensure the flood safety of Hungary and to ensure an adequate level of water management, the transboundary relations are extremely important. Our co-operation in the field of water management with the seven neighbouring countries is based on and regulated by bilateral, intergovernmental agreements, the so-called “transboundary water conventions”. The practical framework for co-operation is provided by the Joint Water Management Committees established under international treaties. The Committee head and deputy of which are appointed by the Minister for Water Management on behalf of the Government, with the consent of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The territorial scope of the conventions covers the so-called area of common interest, which is characterized by the fact that the interventions and changes there can have a relevant cross-border impact.

The task of the Committees established on the basis of the conventions is to coordinate the activities of the water management bodies of the two countries. The Committees normally meet once a year and their sub-committees or expert groups at least twice a year to evaluate the activities carried out in the recent period, discuss current problems, issues and define the work program for the next period.

The work of the Committees is assisted by the Transboundary Secretaries, the sub-committees, the expert groups and working committees operating on a sectoral or territorial (river basin) basis. They are the ones who liaise directly with water institutions in the neighbouring countries and coordinate issues at a professional level.

Experts from the Ministry of Interior, the General Directorate of Water Management and the territorially involved Water Directorates participate in the transboundary water committees, sub-committees and expert groups. Activities are carried out on the basis of jointly developed and agreed regulations. The tasks of transboundary cooperation covering all water management areas are carried out by the regional water management directorates under the professional guidance of the General Directorate of Water Management. Key tasks, flood and inland water protection, transboundary water management developments, maintenance and operation of protection facilities, collection and exchange of hydrographic data, forecasts, joint reviews, water quality protection, joint action on water pollution or other potential water in case of a problem, joint participation in EU projects is a possibility.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE TRANSBOUNDARY COMMITTEES