Actual Achievements (EN): EUSDR Priority Area 4 in current reporting period carried out the activities in accordance with DRP-PAC-PA4 project timetable.
The PA4 SK team, PP organized the trilateral meeting (2 March 2023) and the 25th PA4 Steering Group meeting (23-24 May 2023) in Bratislava/online and organized the Drinking water conference in Bratislava (2 November 2023).
The PA4 HU team, LP organised the trilateral meeting (8 Sept 2023) and the Joint PA4-PA5 Steering Group meeting (27-29 November 2023) in Budapest/online; furthermore, the LP organized the Conference on Adapting to Climate change in relation to WATER (28 November 2023) in Budapest.
PA4 experts participated at the 57th ICPDR RBM meeting (26-27 April 2023 in Belgrade) at the 2nd EUSDR Embedding Week organised by DSP (12-16 June 2023, online) presentation at the workshops “A smarter Danube Region” and “A greener Danube Region”, at the ICPDR Ordinary Meeting (12-13 December 2023, Vienna).
The EUSDR PA4 experts participated at relevant MRS/EUSDR events such as the 4th EU Macro-Regional Strategies Week (EU MRS Week - 24 to 28 April 2023), adding value through MRS Supporting Units in developing skills" (25 April 2023); the PAC meeting (16-17 March 2023 in Maribor), the EUSDR Joint meeting of National Coordinators and PACs in Portoroz (18-19 September 2023) and at the 12th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region EUSDR Entering the Decade of the Future, where a special side event of the EUSDR PA4 was also organised “Entering the decade of future - current and forthcoming water challenges (24-25 October 2023 in Brdo). PA4 participated at water related events as discussions with DG Mare (online 27 March 2023), Chat with EUSDR SI Presidency (31 May 2023).
LP contributed via questionnaire to EUSDR evaluation plan 2023-2028 and written Procedure for the update of the Rules of Procedure (RoP) of EUSDR Priority Area Coordinators which were endorsed in August 2023. PA4 submitted actions under the “Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030” Charter managed by European commission DG MARE, which were accepted on July 2023.
Youth involvement was in focus in 2023: PA4 submitted its filled questionnaire to DSP’s Danube youth questionnaire in December 2023. In Activity 3.1. the LP arranged the compilation of a study by NCR on the possibilities of the involvement of the youngster. An online meeting with DYC members interested in PA4 was arranged (07 March 2023) to discuss mode of cooperation and youth expectations; meeting with DYC members to discuss further integration of the DYC into the PA and possible activities (19 July 2023) and together with the youth delegate of the World Water Council co-organised online seminar “Meaningful youth engagement in the Danube region and beyond” (7 December 2023).
PP together with PA7 (Knowledge Society) co-organised online discussion with hydrogeologist on topic: "Karst springs in relation to climate change impacts" (10 November 2023). PP with GWP CEE it co-organized the „Summer School“(2-8 July 2023) in Prague, Czech Republic.
In Activity 3.2. an important deliverable, the conference on „Adapting to Climate change in relation to WATER - Changes in the qualitative and quantitative parameters of waters in the light of climate change” was organized with the participation of 50 experts on-site and the participation of additional online interested stakeholders.
In Activity 3.3. Financed by the Hungarian national coordination the English version of the “Action plan for the conservation of sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) in Hungary” has been prepared. This plan can serve a good basis for the planned workshop in 2024 on fish cooperation.
PA4 continually supports the on-going projects and helps to develop new project ideas on topics which are relevant for implementation of the PA4 Action Plan. The LP is an ASP to a recently started Horizon project DALIA (Danube Lighthouse Innovation Action) and projects approved by DRP: Danube Water Balance, DanubeSediment_Q2, AQUATIC PLASTIC.
In connection to project development LP participated online at the Internal meeting of EUSDR PACs on the SMF (5 May 2023); the Joint Meeting of EUSDR PACs and DRP on the SMF (30 May 2023). In 2023 PA4 issued Letters of Recommendation for Plastic Cup initiative (nomination of the Plastic Cup initiative for the King Hassan II Great World Water Prize).
National info day about SMF DRP call was organized (11 December 2023); SK National info day about 2 DRP Call (8 November 2023) and meetings related to cooperation with Living Rivers project - Kick Off meeting (23 May 2023) and sturgeon conservation meeting organised together with LifeBoat4Sturgeons (31 October 2023).
PA4 regularly updates PA4 website https://waterquality.danube-region.eu/ where the PA4 achievements are accessible.
EUSDR Priority Area 4 in period 3 managed the PA4 administration, coordination and activities effectively, in line with the plans. PA4 organised the meetings and thematic events, actively participated in EUSDR, DSP, ICPDR and other stakeholders´ events. To support policy development and policy initiatives, PA4 promoted the topics on climate change adaptation and migratory fish conservation in the first part of 2024.
In summer 2024 PA4 LP in line with the plans prepared an online Leaflet to disseminate information on Water Reuse Regulation (EU) 2020/741. The LP prepared further promotional materials to promote and disseminate the project, such as Danube Memory cards (300 pieces) and renewed the PA4 Roll Up which were graphically designed by Millenium Kft and produced by Top Production Kft. Two new posters were also prepared: on migratory fish and on the effects of plastic pollution. Further dissemination materials (notebook, pen, pendrive, stressball, fridge magnet with logos) were produced by Reklámajándék Kft.
SK coordination team, ie. Project partner (PP) organised the trilateral (February 2024) and steering group meetings (May 2024) in Bratislava in order to coordinate activities of the partners and stakeholders.
PA4 took part at the events organised by the EUSDR Austrian Presidency: the joint NC-PAC meeting; the 3rd Austrian National Participation Day “Waters 2040: Climate Change and Resilient Water Management in the Danube Region” and the 13th EUSDR Annual Forum where PA4 prepared the parallel session No.5 on the topic: Is the water clean and passable enough for fish to survive? The session aimed to emphasise the importance of fish conservation, the maintenance of water quality and connectivity restoration including projects’ achievements in the Danube River, particularly focusing on migratory fish species, including sturgeons as the Danube flagship species.
PA4 provided inputs for DSP´s Progress and Achievements of the EUSDR Priority Areas questionnaire in April 2024.
To implement PA4 Action Plan effectively, PA4 brings the key stakeholders together to enhance coordination and cooperation between them and PA4. PA4 in March 2024 signed a new cooperation memorandum with an important organization of the Danube Region: the International Association of Water Service Companies in the Danube River Catchment Area (IAWD).
PA4 continued the cooperation with youth and partners from EUSDR PA6 (DSTF), EUSDR PA7, EUSDR PA5, IAWD, ISRBC, GWP CEE, Carpathian Convention and ICPDR.
ICPDR as associated partner of the project is involved in PA4 activities, its representatives regularly participate in managing and thematic events of PA4 as well as PA4 provides inputs for ICPDR events (RBM EG meeting, StWG meeting).
PA4 joined the online consultation with DRP about financing of DYC travel costs, organized short introductory online meeting with two new DYC members and took part in online meeting with the youth from Youth Working Group. To raise synergies and cooperation with PA7 (Knowledge Society), especially in the approaching youth, PA7 provided a presentation during PA4 SG meeting. Similarly, cooperation continued with PA5 (Environmental Risks).
PA4 continued cooperation with DSTF (Task Force of PA6 Biodiversity) on migratory fish conservation by regular participation in each other´s meetings. Cooperation with IAWD continued with PP participation at online webinar “Make it rain – water utility financing in the Danube Region” and workshop “The Last Mile: Rural Water Services Delivery in the Danube Region”.
PA4 keeps cooperating with projects: Danube Water Balance, Thetys, Danube Sediment_Q2, Aquatic Plastic, RESTORIVER, LIFE21-IPE-SK-LIFE Living Rivers, We Pass 2 and DANUBE4all. PP and LIFE Living Rivers project team organised the working meeting “From Iron Gates to Gabčíkovo Water Structure” focused on transfer of knowledge on fish migration which importance was mentioned in the press release issued on the World Fish Migration Day.
PA4 supports the on-going projects and helps to develop new project ideas on topics which are relevant for implementation of the PA4 Action Plan and it looks for synergies among projects on similar topics funded by various financing mechanisms in order to harmonise the activities and capitalise the results.
PA4 evaluated and supported the projects on SMF call: DANURELY – WS; PANNONIAN.GW and ROBORIVER; and promoted implementation of the projects related to water issues adopted by DRP recently: Danube Water Balance, Danube Sediment_Q2, Aquatic Plastic, RESTORIVER and Tethys; and followed the project submitted in DRP call: InnoWATCCH, Tisza DesWat, Monstur and D-CLEAN.
The above-mentioned activities of the project were implemented smoothly within planned timetable.
EUSDR Priority Area 4 in current reporting period carried out the activities in accordance with DRP-PAC-PA4 project timetable.
Within PA4 coordination, LP organised the trilateral meeting (1 October 2024) in Budapest in order to align planned activities of the partners (PA4 SK team, ICPDR and ISRBC) and back to back organised the 28th PA4 Steering Group meeting (2 October 2024) in Budapest/online. SG members from AT, DE, HU, RO, Md and SK discussed different EUSDR PA4 project activities, including the preparation of the sewage sludge treatment study and provided information on recent activities of EU news, information on the Danube Strategy Point, and updates on key partners’ and project’s activities.
On 3 October 2024 LP organised a Conference on Microplastics in drinking water – from source to tap in Budapest, that provided a possibility with almost 100 participants to discuss the topic of plastics and microplastics and it also aimed to capitalise the results of relevant projects (DRP, DTP, LIFE, Horizon etc.) from different European countries (including projects from Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain) and participants could have an update on microplastic pollution challenges and lessons learnt, also focusing on water resilience.
In summer 2024 PA4 LP in line with the plans prepared an online Leaflet to disseminate information on Water Reuse Regulation (EU) 2020/741.
A new study was prepared by company Trenecon on the possibilities of the utilisation of sewage sludge in the Danube Region. The report evaluates the dual role of sewage sludge as both a valuable resource and a potential environmental risk. It builds upon the previous study developed half a decade ago and it also includes a survey on the situations in the Danube cuntries.
In summer 2024 the LP prepared further promotional materials to promote and disseminate the project, such as Danube Memory cards (300 pieces) and renewed the PA4 Roll Up which were graphically designed by Millenium Kft and produced by Top Production Kft. Two new posters were also prepared: on migratory fish and on the effects of plastic pollution. Further dissemination materials (notebook, pen, pendrive, stressball, fridge magnet with logos) were produced by Reklámajándék Kft.
PP attended Beyond Borders Breakfast Debates (October 2024), EU Adaptation Mission webinars (October 2024), IAWD webinars (October & November 2024) and national forum on EU Climate Adaptation Missions (December 2024).
PA4 team was engaged in several high-level meetings, including the EUSDR PAC meeting in Neusiedl am See (September 2024), EUSDR NC-PAC meeting in Vienna (December 2024) the Danube Strategy Consultation Group meeting (December 2024, online). These discussions addressed EUSDR governance, funding opportunities, collaboration among stakeholders, and macro-regional cooperation beyond 2027.
PA4 contributed to DSP’s survey on EUSDR evaluation and provided feedback on the draft Implementation Report (2022–2023). Updates on PA4 activities and achievements were shared through the PA4 website.
PA4 strengthened youth involvement through events like the DANURELY-WS Roundtable (November 2024, Bratislava), and supported educational activities, including a streamed discussion with professor Habersack (BOKU, Vienna) on river engineering and sediment management.
PA4 continued the cooperation with youth and partners from EUSDR PA6 (DSTF), EUSDR PA7, EUSDR PA5, IAWD, ISRBC, GWP CEE, Carpathian Convention and ICPDR.
ICPDR as associated partner of the project is involved in PA4 activities, its representatives regularly participate in managing and thematic events of PA4 as well as PA4 provides inputs for ICPDR events (RBM EG meeting, StWG meeting, PM EG meeting, Ordinary Meeting).
PA4 keeps cooperating with projects: Danube Water Balance, Thetys, Danube Sediment_Q2, Aquatic Plastic, RESTORIVER, LIFE21-IPE-SK-LIFE Living Rivers, We Pass 2 and DANUBE4all.
PA4 supports the on-going projects and helps to develop new project ideas on topics which are relevant for implementation of the PA4 Action Plan and it looks for synergies among projects on similar topics funded by various financing mechanisms in order to harmonise the activities and capitalise the results.
The following LoRs were issued in the reporting period: Safeguarding Migratory Fish and their Habitats in the Danube River Basin and beyond (Acronym: DanubeLifelines) in August 2024; Horizon Ocean Mission for Enhanced Community-led Innovations in the Danube River Basin (Acronym: HOME-DANUBE) in August 2024 and PassThem in September 2024.
In July 2024, DSP certified flagship processes for PAs, and updates were published on the PA4 website. Discussions during the Steering Group (SG) meeting led to maintaining the existing flagship processes with updated activities.
The above-mentioned activities of the project were implemented smoothly within planned timetable.
EUSDR Priority Area 4 in current reporting period carried out the activities in accordance with DRP-PAC-PA4 project timetable.The LP HU team (PAC Márton Pesel, experts Diana Heilmann and Zsuzsanna Kocsis-Kupper) and the PP SK team (PAC Danka Thalmeinerova, experts Andrea Vranovska and Dana Vrablikova) participated in or organized governance and coordination meetings as PAC meeting (26–27/02 in Sarajevo); Trilateral Meeting (04/03 in Bratislava); 29th PA4 SG meeting (3–4/06 in Bratislava and online) and at the national level, the meeting of the Danube Strategy Working Group (25/06 in Budapest) and the meeting of the Danube Strategy Consultation Group (22/05 in Bratislava).
To enhance EUSDR governance, PA4 completed a DSP-led questionnaire and joined online meeting to evaluate its results (1/04). To effectively support the development of waterrelated policies and initiatives, PA4 aligns its activities with key stakeholders, including ICPDR as ASP, as well as with partners from EUSDR PA5, PA6 (DSTF), PA7, IAWD, ISRBC, the Carpathian Convention, GWP CEE, and DSP.
As part of EU Green Week, LP organised an online workshop on 20 June 2025 titled Wastewater as a Resource: Regional Workshop on Sewage Sludge Management and Energy Efficiency. The aim of the workshop was to provide an overview of sludge legislation and policies in the Danube Region, including an update on the current European Union policies, and a summary of the national situation in the Danube countries. Received more than 100 registrations; the event was held with 61 participants, with speakers from 7 countries.
PA4 maintains regular collaboration with relevant EUSDR Priority Areas (notably PA5, PA6, PA7, and PA1a), so PA4’s sludge management study was presented at the PA8 Working Group meeting on Circular Economy and Bioeconomy (7/03) and at the ICPDR PM EG and NTG meeting, 23-25/04/2025, Sarajevo. PA4 actively participated in the Capitalisation Workshop: Boosting Knowledge and Competitiveness in the Danube Region, co-hosted by PA7 and PA8 in Bratislava 26–27/03. Furthermore, PA4 provided inputs into PA4 activities presentations for ICPDR 61st RBM EG meeting (6-7/05) and 23rd Standing Working Group Meeting (17-18/06). Preparations were ongoing for joint Pillar B events that will be held in the following reporting period (09, 10, 11/ 2025.)
The cooperation with young generation (DYC members) was promoted by online meeting (13/02) with participation of new DYC member Ms Sára Molnár and later PA4 welcomed a new DYC representative, Mr Matej Jirkal. The 3rd DYC member Mr Pejo Bosnić remained in PA4. On 29/05 PA4 HU experts met with colleagues of European Youth Parliament for Water (EYPW) organizors to discuss that 17th EYPW will take place in March 2026 in Alsace, France. The PA4 colleagues discussed how the Danube Youth Council members can take part of the EYPW event in 2026 and that an open tender will be organized in fall 2025.
In this reporting period to support cooperation, PA4 collegues took part in following online events: webinar Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (D2.3): Presentation of methodology and exemplary results for Slovakia (10/02); the 2nd online Forum of the Research and Innovation Mission Soil Deal for Europe (29/04); the national online meeting of the Oceans, Seas and Waters Mission Forum (15/05) and DSTF General Assembly (26/03). In the upcoming period, PP will organize the international workshop “Climate Change: Challenges in Agriculture and Water Sectors” (4/12), so PP prepared and consulted the Concept Note. Cooperation with stakeholders was supported through online participation in the IAWD webinar Weathering the Storm: Innovative Tools for Local Authorities to Tackle Water Hazards in a Changing Climate, (5/06). Moreover, PA4 participated online in the 23rd Beyond Borders: Breakfast Debate – BRIDGE for EU: Shaping the Future of Cross-Border Cooperation in Europe (12/06).
LP HU initiated printing of 800 Danube memory cards for the occasion of the International Danube Day in June 2025 by Rastera Group Kft. Related costs will be claimed with the next report. Similarly, costs of meetings for the SG meeting in Bratislava ( 3-4/06) and seminar organized for Interreg Danube Region Programme project lead partners (Bucharest, 11-12/06) and (ICPDR) “Standing Working Group Meeting” (StWG) (Postojna, 17-18/06) will be reported in the next report.
PA4 keeps cooperating with projects: Danube Water Balance, Tethys, Danube Sediment_Q2, Aquatic Plastic, RESTORIVER, LIFE21-IPE-SK-LIFE Living Rivers, Pass Them and DANUBE4all. To support projects implementation PA4 presented PA4 activities at the opening event of the Dclean project (10-11/06) in Vienna; and at online networking meeting on capitalization of SMF project results (18/03). The colleagues consistently update the PA4 website (https://waterquality.danube-region.eu/), publishing news on events, studies, leaflets, and documents. No LoRs were issued in this period.
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