Throughout history, the Danube Basin has played a crucial role in the political, socio-economic and cultural development of Central and South-Eastern Europe.
With the on-going enlargement of the European Union, the importance of the Basin continues to grow.

Perhaps even more important than the size of the Basin (817,000 km², nearly 10% of the total surface of the European Continent) is the fact that it comprises 18 different countries, which makes it the world’s most international river basin.

Before emptying into the Black Sea, the Danube River receives the waters of some large tributaries, in particular in its middle part, where the Drava, the Tisza and the Sava double its water volume.

Rivers Know No Political Borders

Only through a shared commitment and a joint effort of the Basin countries that the environmental problems of the Danube River Basin can be addressed. Recognizing this the Danube River Protection Convention was signed in 1994 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

In addition to the European Union, parties to the Convention include: Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine.

Danube Day was initiated at the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Danube River Protection Convention and reminds all Danube Basin citizens of the treasure they share.