Record Drought Leaves Danube at Historic Lows, Threatening Energy Supply

Europe's second longest river, the Danube, has fallen to historic low water levels as an extreme drought grips Central and Southeast Europe. The crisis is pushing Hungary and Romania toward an energy emergency while threatening ecosystems along the river's course.

Low water levels are severely affecting hydroelectric power generation and river transport, which is critical for the region's energy supply. Nuclear power plants that rely on river water for cooling have been forced to reduce output, compounding electricity shortfalls.

Bulgaria is considered better prepared than its neighbours due to investments in energy diversification, while Hungary and Romania face a more acute situation. Environmental experts warn that the record low water levels also put river ecosystems and species under extreme stress.

The crisis reflects a broader trend of worsening summer droughts across Europe. Scientists attribute the intensifying pattern to climate change, warning that without adaptive measures, such extreme events will become more frequent and more severe in the years ahead.