Published by : International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River
The "Guiding Principles on Sustainable Hydropower Development in the Danube Basin" have been prepared on behalf of the lead countries AT, SI and RO in close cooperation with the ICPDR Secretariat and with experts from Danube countries and various stakeholders.
The requirement of increased production and use of energy from renewable sources in line with the objectives of the EU Renewable Energy Directive constitutes an important step towards meeting the need of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering energy security while representing a significant driver for the development of hydropower generation in the countries of the Danube River Basin. At the same time, Danube countries are committed to the implementation of water, nature and other environmental legislation, the EU Water Framework Directive being the key tool for water policy in the Danube River Basin by specifying water protection targets in balance with economic interests. Further information on these issues can be obtained from the elaborated background document "Assessment Report on Hydropower Generation in the Danube Basin".