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The Role of the Hungarian Water Service in the EU Strategy for the Danube Region

2025. 08. 05.

The Danube is the longest river in the European Union, its basin spanning 14 countries. It provides drinking water, energy, agricultural and recreational opportunities for more than 80 million people and serves as a basis for nature conservation, cultural, and tourism-related development. The river and its basin are a shared European natural heritage, whose preservation and sustainable use can only be achieved through coordinated international cooperation.

The EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) is the European Union’s macro-regional strategy based on the partnership of 14 countries, including several non-EU states. The strategy aims to promote the sustainable development of the Danube River Basin, with a particular focus on improving environmental conditions, enhancing connectivity, supporting economic growth, and fostering social cohesion.

Hungary has been an active participant in the strategy from the outset. National coordination is carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). The implementation of the strategy involves background institutions (Ministry) responsible for specific sectors – in the field of water management, this role is fulfilled by the General Directorate of Water Management (OVF). The OVF participates in the strategy’s work through designated experts, appointed by the Minister responsible for water management.

The EUSDR is divided into 12 so-called Priority Areas (PAs), two of which are directly related to the water sector:

  • PA4 – Water Quality
  • PA5 – Environmental Risks

Water Quality (PA4)

The objective of PA4 is to ensure good water status across the Danube River Basin, improve water quality, and coordinate related measures, with special attention to wastewater treatment, nutrient pollution from agriculture, the protection of drinking water sources, and the development of water quality monitoring.

PA4 is jointly coordinated by Hungary and Slovakia. The Hungarian coordinator is Márton Pesel (OVF).

Main professional objectives of PA4:

  • Promoting the objectives of the Danube River Basin Management Plan and coordinating joint measures at the basin level.
  • Reducing nitrogen and phosphorus-based nutrient loads in the river, especially to restore the ecosystem of the Black Sea.
  • Investigating the water management situation of the Danube Delta and laying the groundwork for a comprehensive management plan (Danube Delta Analysis Report).
  • Protecting sturgeon populations (e.g. beluga sturgeon) and preserving their habitats.

More information: https://waterquality.danube-region.eu

Environmental Risks (PA5)
The objective of PA5 is to manage, prevent, and reduce water-related environmental risks – such as floods, droughts, flash floods, soil erosion, and pollution caused by hazardous substances – with a strong emphasis on climate adaptation.

PA5 is jointly coordinated by Hungary and Romania. The Hungarian coordinator is Dr. László Balatonyi (OVF).

Key objectives of PA5:

  • Developing hydrological data collection, monitoring, and forecasting systems, supporting data sharing, and reducing flood risks.
  • Sharing knowledge and developing joint databases and forecasting systems related to flood risk reduction.
  • Applying comprehensive planning tools – such as flood and drought risk maps, and water retention strategies.
  • Promoting nature-based and climate-resilient solutions in water management practices.
  • Strengthening international and cross-border cooperation through joint exercises and projects.
  • Enhancing cooperation between professional and volunteer organizations, particularly in the field of disaster and civil protection.
  • Promoting youth involvement in water management and risk governance (e.g. Danube Youth Council – DYC).

More information: https://environmentalrisks.danube-region.eu

Disaster Management Working Group

Within PA5, a dedicated Disaster Management Working Group operates, connecting disaster management, water management, and civil protection authorities from countries across the Danube Region. The group aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation in the prevention, management, and post-assessment of both natural and man-made disasters.

The working group regularly organizes professional consultations and joint exercises, focusing on:

  • Response to floods, flash floods, and water pollution;
  • Exchange of information and good practices;
  • Coordination between civil protection and water management in emergency situations;
  • Strengthening cooperation between professional and volunteer organizations, particularly in disaster and civil protection.

More information:     
https://environmentalrisks.danube-region.eu/disaster-management-working-group/

Further Information and Sources