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Germany Calls for Emergency Meeting Over Record-Low Water Levels

Transportation Minister Bilger has called a crisis meeting due to historically low water levels on the Rhine and Danube, which are paralyzing the economy and shipping.

Updated last month3 new reports, including WELT, DW Deutsch, FAZ.

·1 min read·4 outlets

The short version

Germany is experiencing record-low water levels on the Rhine and Danube. Transportation Minister Bilger has called a crisis meeting to discuss the implications for the economy and shipping. The drought is also exposing historic shipwrecks and human remains in the Danube.

Germany is experiencing historically low water levels along the Rhine and Danube.1,2,4 The extremely low water levels are primarily affecting shipping and freight transport.2,3 Transportation Secretary Steffen Bilger has called a crisis meeting to discuss measures.2

Bilger plans to lift the Sunday driving ban on trucks for goods that are particularly affected.3 In addition, more goods are to be transported by rail.3 The drought is causing shortages of groundwater and drinking water, as well as damage to ecosystems.1

In Budapest, low water levels exposed a Wehrmacht motorcycle and two sets of human remains.6 Further downstream, the wrecks of sunken Nazi warships have become visible.6 Hungary and Romania are facing an energy crisis due to the drought.5

Bulgaria is considered to be better prepared for the consequences of the extreme drought.5 The long-standing neglect of waterways is cited as the reason for the current problems.4

Why it matters

  • The Rhine and the Danube are two of Europe's most important inland waterways for freight transport and the economy.1,2

  • The Sunday driving ban for trucks in Germany has been in effect since 1956 and restricts heavy truck traffic on Sundays.3

This account was written from the 6 reports listed below, filed by 4 independent outlets, and checked against them line by line. It is not a copy of any one of them. Spotted an error? Tell us.

Well corroborated4 outlets
Left0Center2Right2

6 reports from 4 outlets. The numbers in the article point here.

Center4
Right-leaning2

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