DANUBElifelines

The aim of the project is to produce a comparative analysis of the application of legal instruments used to implement EU directives in the countries of the Danube basin and, on this basis, to identify opportunities for harmonisation. In selected case studies (demonstration sites), key challenges in the implementation of environmental legal requirements are examined in greater depth in order to identify problems and develop proposals for solutions to protect and improve ecological connectivity in the Danube basin.

As a methodological framework for the comparative legal analysis of regulations in the Danube riparian states, country profiles will first be developed. These will compare planning frameworks and legal instruments for implementing the objectives of the EU directives within the different planning competences of the Danube countries. Based on these country profiles, a systematic comparative legal evaluation will be carried out. The aim is to identify similarities and differences in the legal provisions of the states, highlight typical challenges, and make examples of good practice visible.

In a next step, thematic case studies will be selected to focus, in a country-specific manner, on selected problem areas within national or regional contexts. This serves to provide a more detailed analytical differentiation of key challenges in the implementation of environmental legal requirements. The focus will be on both the legal foundations and the institutional, administrative, and, where relevant, political-strategic frameworks.

DANUBElifelines supports the objective of the European Union’s Horizon Europe Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters” to protect and restore marine and freshwater ecosystems as well as biodiversity. Key components of the project include the generation of knowledge, the demonstration of effective solutions, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

The project aims to provide new insights and perspectives on fish migration, habitat quality, and migration corridors, thereby contributing to the improvement of the status of migratory fish species in the Danube basin. It showcases measures to protect and restore the availability, accessibility, and connectivity of habitats by reducing barriers and pressures and implementing nature-based solutions.

The involvement of local actors and national stakeholders, the implementation of training and communication activities, and the development of an action plan and a roadmap for the application of solutions are also essential components of the project.