As representatives of the Danube River Basin countries gather for the semi-annual meeting of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) on 11-12 June and prepare to celebrate Danube Day on 29 June, the European Union continues to support transboundary water cooperation through the EU-funded EU4Green Recovery East programme.
The Danube is the world’s most international river basin, connecting 19 countries and more than 80 million people through a network of over 300 tributaries. Among them is the Prut River, which rises in Ukraine and forms the border between the Republic of Moldova and Romania before flowing into the Lower Danube.
Cross-Border Integrated River Basin Management Plan for the Prut River Basin
Through EU4Green Recovery East, the EU supports the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in strengthening cooperation on shared water resources and advancing integrated river basin management in line with European and international standards.
As part of this effort, EU4Green Recovery East supports the development of a cross-border Integrated River Basin Management Plan for the Prut River Basin, as well as preparations for a joint water monitoring survey of the Prut River. In this way, EU4Green Recovery East not only promotes integrated water management but also facilitates closer international collaboration among the Republic of Moldova, Romania and Ukraine.
The EU-funded programme also supports the participation of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in key ICPDR processes and meetings, helping both EU candidate countries to contribute actively to regional water governance and environmental cooperation in the Danube River Basin.
Ukraine leads the ICPDR Presidency
This year Ukraine holds the ICPDR Presidency, underlining the country’s continued commitment to transboundary water cooperation despite the war it faces. Under Ukrainian leadership, the Commission is advancing work on climate resilience, supporting the implementation of Danube River Basin Management Plans across multiple countries of the basin, and launching a new initiative to assess the impacts of the war on the Lower Danube and Danube Delta.
Engaging the next generation for Danube Day
To mark Danube Day, EU4Green Recovery East promotes an outreach campaign for children in Ukraine, aiming to bring the younger generation closer to the Danube River. Due to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the campaign is being delivered entirely online. Through the online “Meet My Friend Danube” Kids Marathon, children aged 8–14 from Ukrainian Danube sub-basins will take part in daily challenges exploring river ecosystems, biodiversity and water protection. Running from 16 to 23 June, the initiative highlights how rivers connect countries and cultures, why healthy rivers need free-flowing waters, and how simple everyday actions can help protect them. The best entries will be showcased during Danube Day celebrations on 29 June, helping inspire the next generation of river stewards.
As Danube Day 2026 is celebrated under the theme "United by Danube", EU4Green Recovery East continues to help strengthen collaboration among countries sharing the Danube River Basin, contributing to healthier rivers, stronger resilience and a more sustainable future for the region.
