1. Danube Strategy New Challenge and new Opportunities- State of Play
Karl Schwaiger

2. Goals: Better cooperation and coordination
Move from political statements to action (see Baltic Sea Plan);
Integrated approach (not a sectoral one);
Stakeholder involvement essential
Principles – the three “NO” :
no new institutions,
no new EU funding and
no new legislation
Karl Schwaiger WD meeting Segovia 27th + 28th May Danube Strategy

3. More issues may result from ongoing stakeholder Process
Priorities envisaged
1. Connectivity and communication (transport and energy)
2. Environment, water and risk prevention
3. Socioeconomic, human and institutional development (economy and institutions + education, culture, tourism, social inclusion)
More issues may result from ongoing stakeholder Process
5 meetings (Ulm, Budapest, Vienna-Bratislava, Ruse, Danube Delta 10thJune)
Karl Schwaiger WD meeting Segovia 27th + 28th May Danube Strategy

4. Next Steps - Roadmap
May 2010-Sep 2010: draft strategy for further consideration by all countries
Sep 2010-Dec 2010: submission of strategy documents (Communication + Action Plan)
Spring 2011 : Presidency Conclusions - HU Presidency first half – Strategy adopted?
Karl Schwaiger WD meeting Segovia 27th + 28th May Danube Strategy

5. Strategic goals of Water Sector
Use Danube Strategy to enhance implementation of Program of Measures even in times of economic difficulties with approach involving all sectors (navigation, agriculture, hydropower…) based on
Institutional Framework in Place (ICPDR – Internat. Commission for
Protection of River Danube and International Commission for Navigation)
River Basin Managment Plan Danube
Danube Declaration adopted in Ministerial Conference Feb 2010, Vienna
Resolution of European Parliament adopted 21st Jan 2010
Karl Schwaiger WD meeting Segovia 27th + 28th May Danube Strategy

6. Potential European flagship project
Clear need to restore river continuity for migration of fish
Downward migration of fish (salmon, eel, sturgeon) in large rivers (Rhine, Danube…) still not yet solved in a satisfactory way => need for research => joint lobbying necessary
Particular challenge in Danube (political support in place):
Verify feasibilty of migration of sturgeon through Iron gate Dams
(Technical challenge: 2x 60 meters height)
Protection and restoration of European sturgeon stocks heavily endangered;
joint action of countries with sturgeon stocks still in place needed
Karl Schwaiger WD meeting Segovia 27th + 28th May Danube Strategy

7. Thank you for your kind attention
DAMS – Significant obstacl for migration of fish up + downstream: eel, salmon, sturgeon
Need to join efforts
Karl Schwaiger WD meeting Segovia 27th + 28th May Danube Strategy