1. Threats to Danube river 2007 – 2013 ? Ákos Éger, National Society of Conservationists Friends of the Earth Hungary/CEE Bankwatch Network Programming the EU funds for 2007-2013 Krakow, Poland, November 25-26, 2005

2. Threats to Danube river 2007 – 2013 ? Background Danube and programming „Beszédes” plan Danube-Tisza Channel What to do.. Programming the EU funds for 2007-2013 Krakow, Poland, November 25-26, 2005

3. Background Danube: sensitive issue. Political changes linked with the Danube river. Programming the EU funds for 2007-2013 Krakow, Poland, November 25-26, 2005

4. Danube and programming Danube river in the draft National Development Concept: „..on the Hungarian section of Danube river.. aim is a homogeneous transport corridor.” Programming the EU funds for 2007-2013 Krakow, Poland, November 25-26, 2005

5. „Beszédes” plan Aim of the plan is to develope the Danube Valley József Beszédes: big channel builder in the XIX. Century. Made by local experts and Academic of Science with the support of the local politicians to influence programming. Programming the EU funds for 2007-2013 Krakow, Poland, November 25-26, 2005

6. „Beszédes” plan Programming the EU funds for 2007-2013 Krakow, Poland, November 25-26, 2005 4 pillars of the plan Dunabe-Tisza Interfluve Region Ráckeve-Soroksár Region Budapest Danube Bend

7. The Danube-Tisza Channel Programming the EU funds for 2007-2013 Krakow, Poland, November 25-26, 2005 History of the channel Plans to connect the rivers since 1774. Starting the construction several times. 1948: 10-15 km was built.

8. The Danube-Tisza Channel Programming the EU funds for 2007-2013 Krakow, Poland, November 25-26, 2005 Channel as planned in 1948: - 11 water-gate - Water level: Danube: 98,2 m Maximim water gate: 212,76 m Tisza: 80 m - 32-33 m wide - Suitable for 1000-1200 tonnes barges

9. The Danube-Tisza Channel Programming the EU funds for 2007-2013 Krakow, Poland, November 25-26, 2005 WHY? Desertification of the Region Shipping Competitiveness (yacht ports) Agriculture / irrigation

10. The Danube-Tisza Channel Programming the EU funds for 2007-2013 Krakow, Poland, November 25-26, 2005 Situation now: Strong lobby with the „Beszédes” Plan. Possible funding from the EU (estimated cost in 2004: 360 million € / 50 km motorway). Developing Danube-Tisza Interfuve Region as an accepted major project for 2007-2013. Content of the project?

11. The Danube-Tisza Channel Programming the EU funds for 2007-2013 Krakow, Poland, November 25-26, 2005 What we can do: Strong lobby against the channel on all level, in time. Greening the program „Developing Danube-Tisza Interfuve Region”. Greening Danube part of NSRF and OPs of affected regions. Cooperation just started between MoE and ENGOs on major projects.

12. Thank you for your attention! akos@mtvsz.hu www.mtvsz.hu Programming the EU funds for 2007-2013 Krakow, Poland, November 25-26, 2005