Slovakia and Hungary negotiate Gabčíkovo waterworks agreement
- Slovakia and Hungary are engaged in negotiations to resolve a 30-year dispute over the Gabčíkovo-Nagymaros waterworks system.
- The talks have included multiple rounds, with both sides emphasizing the need for a solution that balances flood protection and environmental concerns.
- The ongoing negotiations aim to create a new international agreement that enhances cooperation between the two countries.
In Bratislava, Slovakia, Minister of Environment Tomáš Taraba led negotiations with Hungary's Minister of Energy Csaba Lantos regarding the Gabčíkovo-Nagymaros waterworks system, a dispute that has persisted for 30 years. The talks included key figures from both countries' water management and energy sectors, emphasizing the importance of aligning current conditions with legal frameworks. The discussions aimed to find a mutually beneficial resolution that would enhance flood protection, recreational navigation, and environmental conditions. The negotiations have been ongoing, with seven rounds of talks occurring in less than six months, indicating a strong commitment from both sides to resolve the issue. The Slovak Ministry of Environment highlighted the need for cooperation to ensure that both nations can benefit from the hydro potential of the Danube River while addressing environmental concerns. The focus is on creating a sustainable solution that respects the interests of both countries. The International Court of Justice previously ruled on this matter in 1997, affirming the validity of a 1977 agreement and the necessity for both parties to reassess the environmental impacts of the Gabčíkovo power plant. This ruling has set the stage for the current negotiations, as both Slovakia and Hungary seek to reconcile economic development with environmental protection. Ultimately, the goal of these discussions is to establish a new international agreement that fosters better relations and cooperation between Slovakia and Hungary, paving the way for future collaboration in various sectors beyond water management.