Enhancing Regional Cooperation in the Danube Basin: Stronger Together

EUSDR Consultation on Water, Emergency Response and Disaster Risk Management
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina | 3 April 2025

Overview

Under the 2025 Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) intensified efforts to strengthen cooperation in disaster risk management and water governance. On 3 April 2025, over 80 stakeholders gathered in Mostar for the thematic workshop “Stronger Together – Enhancing Regional Cooperation in the Danube Basin”, organized under Priority Areas 5 (Environmental Risks) and 10 (Institutional Capacity and Cooperation).

The consultation focused on improving cross-border collaboration, supporting EU candidate countries, and addressing key challenges in flood preparedness, emergency response, and institutional capacity-building.

Key Topics and Takeaways

Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)

Participants highlighted the potential of NBS—such as urban wetlands and floodable parks—for reducing water-related risks. However, implementation is often hindered by permitting difficulties, maintenance needs, and knowledge gaps.
Recommendations included compiling a regional casebook, training local officials, and fostering partnerships with engineering institutions.

Risk Communication and AI-Supported Forecasting

Effective disaster preparedness requires not just data but accessible, visual communication tools. Flash floods remain a major forecasting challenge. While AI-based systems offer promise, building trust and transparency is essential.
Proposed actions: developing infographics, community-tested alert systems, and simplified communication protocols for local use.

Volunteer Readiness and Emergency Coordination

Local volunteers play a critical role in early response, yet coordination mechanisms remain underdeveloped.
Recommendations included: standardised training modules, cross-border deployment protocols, and logistics support through a regional volunteer platform.

Youth and Civil Society Engagement

Young people and NGOs can amplify risk awareness and drive innovation.
Initiatives proposed: integrating climate risk into school curricula, launching youth-led campaigns, and creating peer exchange mechanisms.

Action Plan and Follow-up

A targeted Action Plan, developed by Priority Area 5, sets out practical steps to:

Advance NBS and pilot implementation projects
Strengthen flood forecasting at sub-basin level
Improve public communication strategies
Enhance volunteer coordination
Promote youth involvement in awareness campaigns
Integrate responsible AI use in early warning systems

The plan emphasizes inclusive governance and aims to increase the participation of non-EU Danube countries in EUSDR implementation.

🔄 What’s Next?

PA5 presented a targeted Action Plan to boost the engagement of non-EU Danube countries, especially Bosnia and Herzegovina, in EUSDR governance. This includes:

pilot projects on NBS and forecasting,
thematic workshops for municipalities,
communication toolkits for public outreach.

The consultation confirmed a shared understanding: macro-regional cooperation is only effective if it is inclusive, localized, and practical.

👉 The full event summary is available here:
https://environmentalrisks.danube-region.eu/?mdocs-file=5486