European Environment Initiative (EURENI)

Project background

Despite decades of human impact, the Oder River remains one of Central Europe’s last near-natural river systems. It forms a vital ecological corridor, rich in biodiversity and of great cultural and landscape value. 

The Oder River faces major ecological challenges: pollution, loss of biodiversity, and increasing climate-related threats such as extreme droughts and floods. The mass fish die-off in 2022 and the severe floods of 2024 exposed the river’s vulnerability and the serious social and economic consequences for the communities along its banks. At the same time, cross-border cooperation is urgently needed to restore and sustainably manage the river.

Public discussion often focuses on the Oder as a transport route or a channel for wastewater. This view overlooks the extensive natural river landscapes that still exist. These landscapes are home to valuable habitats and provide key ecosystem services such as flood protection, carbon storage and biodiversity conservation.

Responsibility for the Oder is shared by three countries: Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic. Each has its own policies, management practices and socioeconomic priorities. Effective basin-wide management therefore needs strong cross-border coordination, open dialogue and joint action. 

At the same time, the European Union offers a solid framework for cooperation. The Water Framework Directive and the Nature Restoration Law provide a common foundation for aligning national efforts, promoting ecological restoration, improving natural water retention and reducing the risk of future disasters.

Project goals and measures

Restoring the ecological health of the Oder River requires coordinated action. This includes strengthening cross-border dialogue, aligning strategies across the three countries, raising public awareness, and supporting local restoration and retention efforts. 

The project addresses these needs by fostering international cooperation and promoting the exchange of experience. It helps align national approaches, promotes climate-resilient management and builds public backing for the river’s long-term recovery. 

Building on the “Time for the Oder” network — a coalition of authorities, river managers, NGOs, experts and communities established during a previous project of the “European Environment Initiative (EURENI)” — the new initiative connects established actors with emerging local initiatives. Yet public participation and cross-border exchange still need to be strengthened. A shared platform that links local projects with national and international decision-making remains a key gap the project aims to close. 

To achieve this, partners will bring people together across borders in a range of formats: The International Oder Conference will serve as the central meeting point for stakeholders, while webinars and communication campaigns will support ongoing dialogue. Study tours, field visits and capacity-building workshops will strengthen citizen initiatives. A joint civil society strategy will advance the “Oder Vision” and highlight best practices in river restoration and sustainable basin management. 

Through these efforts, the project creates momentum for cooperation, practical learning and collective action. It connects decision-makers with communities, translates ideas into action and strengthens cooperative relationships between stakeholders from Poland, Germany and Czechia. Together, these actors are shaping a healthier and more resilient Oder River for the future.