THE DANUBE'S BLUES

摘要

The countries that border Europe's largest river basin are having trouble getting in step. The romantic image of the "beautiful blue Danube" idealized in the music of Strauss is afar cry from the historical realities of the Danube River basin. Relations between countries along the river's banks have been fractious, if not downright hostile, impeding sound management of this Central European water system on which so much depends. Rival claims to the river for both navigation and as a water/hydro source, and cross-border accusations of pollution, ecological damage and mismanagement have been further complicated by recent political/ economic changes in the region with the changeover of many ex-communist countries. Attempts to develop international agreements and bodies to smooth resolution of these issues have made some headway-but also demonstrate just how difficult it is for nations to share and protect a key resource.