DC Secretariat at the 68th Conference of Danube Navigation Companies

VIENNA, September 16, 2026 — The General Director of the Secretariat of the Danube Commission, Mr. Manfred Seitz, participated in the 68th Conference of Directors of Danube Navigation Companies – Members of the Bratislava Agreements, hosted by DDSG MAHART Kft.

The Conference provided an opportunity to discuss current navigation needs and hydrotechnical challenges along the Danube, with a focus on practical experience.

The DC Secretariat presented an overview of current navigational conditions on the Danube, focusing on fairway constraints and seasonal water-level trends, particularly in critical sections of the river.

Following the discussions in the latest DC Expert Meetings on Hydrotechnical matters, the Secretariat updated participants on measures taken for Danube navigation, including dredging, surveying and fairway marking, as well as the planned “Action Plan for adapting Danube navigation to climate change impact” to be agreed in November by the Technical Working Group.

The Danube Commission briefed participants of its close cooperation and exchange of information with the Hungarian authorities regarding the hydraulic situation at the Paks bottom sill construction site, in order to monitor developments and their potential impact on navigation.

Looking to 2027, the DC Secretariat has already planned Technical Working Groups and Expert Meetings where Danubian states can coordinate on technical standards, exchange practical experience, address current Danube-related challenges and develop joint approaches to improving waterway conditions along the river.