Once lagging behind Southeastern Europe is now seeing growing action to dismantle outdated dams, weirs, and culverts that fragment rivers, disrupt fish migration, degrade water quality and pose risk of failure. A new report reveals that river restoration through barrier removal—a critical tool to revive Europe’s freshwater ecosystems—is gaining unprecedented traction in Southeastern Europe (Figure […]
“On Dam Removal Day, 8 October 2025, NGOs in France and Europe reaffirm their commitment to restoring waterways and removing obsolete artificial barriers. More than 1.2 million structures block the free flow of European rivers and weaken the biodiversity and resilience of aquatic ecosystems. It is estimated that more than 200,000 of these structures are […]
On October 8th, Europe will come together to celebrate Dam Removal Day, a day to honour the power of free-flowing rivers and the growing movement to remove obsolete barriers. Before Dam Removal Day, a new short film calls governmental authorities, barrier owners, practitioners and the general public to take action and restore river connectivity. Watch the […]
Lobbies from the business, agriculture, and mining sectors – and even some Member States – are actively trying to weaken EU water laws. They argue these laws are too costly, hinder economic activity, and complicate permitting processes. These claims are unfounded and put the Water Framework Directive (WFD) in jeopardy. We’re urging Commissioner Jessika Roswall […]
This summer, the Living Rivers Europe coalition published a new report emphasising that 2027 does not mark the end of the WFD. The directive will remain fully in force beyond that date. The report explains why and how Member States must continue to comply with their fundamental legal obligations. The Water Framework Directive (WFD), adopted […]
8 October 2025 will mark the very first Dam Removal Day. Across Europe, visits and meetings will highlight the same message: free rivers bring life back. Everyone can get involved: organise an event, share a local story, spread the word on social media. 👉 Register your action atdamremoval.eu/dam-removal-day
After the summer break, restoration work on the Laussonne (43), the Eyrieux (07) and Malencourie (24) rivers will begin this autumn. The aim of this work is to ensure the continuity of the river and reconnect several kilometres upstream, increasing access to refuge areas and restoring the white-water habitats needed by sensitive species that inhabit […]
The next call for Open rivers Programme* applications is coming soon (from the 6th to the 31st of October 2025). Need ideas and advice to prepare your projects and activities, or you just want to know more about Dam Removal in Southeastern Europe ? Join our webinar on September 23, 2025 from 11:00 to 13:00 […]
It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Jean Wencker in August 2025. Jean Wencker devoted much of his life to protecting the environment and restoring aquatic habitats. As former president and then vice-president of Alsace Nature, he represented the association in numerous bodies: the International Commission for the Protection of […]
EU representatives were due to reach an agreement on updating water pollution standards on 15 July, but negotiations have once again been postponed until 23 September. We’re nearing 3 years since the European Commission proposed long-overdue updates to regulate pharmaceuticals, more pesticides, and PFAS in surface and groundwater. This delay is becoming something of a […]
ERN France
ERN is the official WWF Freshwater Partner in France and cooperates with WWF Switzerland, Austria, Netherlands and others
