Sustainable navigation by the Danube: Law regulations, problems and proposals

Abstract

The Danube navigation in the territory of the Republic of Serbia has a negative impact on the environment, mostly in the form of pollution emitted from ships. The aim of the paper is to point out the existence and need for implementation of legislation regulating the navigation of passenger and cargo ships on the Danube. It is considered that the consistent implementation of the existing regulations and compliance control will give significant results in improving the state of the river environment and its wider surroundings. The paper aims to raise the awareness of potential users about the importance and potential of sustainable navigation. Bearing in mind the international importance of the Danube Basin and implementation of the development strategy for this river within the European Union countries, it is necessary to identify and actively participate in the implementation of the sustainable navigation concept. In this sense, it is considered that the cooperation with the Danube Basin countries is necessary. Thus, in the forthcoming period, it would be important to harmonize regulations and technical requirements for vessels, control mechanisms, waste disposal options and the overall monitoring.

Keywords

• danube river
• legal regulations
• sustainable navigation
• pollution
• cross-border cooperation