Hungary

The entire Hungarian stretch of the Danube is designated as a bottleneck

The upper part of the Hungarian section is dotted with sand banks and patches of wild vines. One of the largest floodplain forests in Central Europe is found downstream. Modification of the Danube could cause islands to disappear and impose considerable adverse impacts on the Ipoly National Park.

The entire Hungarian stretch of the Danube between Palkovicovo and Mohács is designated as a bottleneck, amounting to 379 km in length.

Over one million Euros have been granted to Hungary from the EU to investigate the status of the Danube in terms of navigation and to elaborate alternatives that ensure a 2.7 m navigation depth for almost the whole year.  The output should be a feasibility study.  The project deadline is September 2007.

The whole Hungarian section of the Danube is a Natura 2000 site (except in the proximity of the capital, Budapest).  Unique side branch systems, oxbows, marshes, and large floodplain forests enrich the natural value of this stretch.  National parks and Ramsar sites also ensure protection of sensitive habitats.

Previous flood protection and river regulation interventions have caused riverbed deepening in the Hungarian stretch.  Further river engineering works would aggravate this negative process.  This could modify the groundwater regime, accelerate aging and drying of the connected wetlands and lands, and lead to the loss of habitats and fish spawning sites.