The IAWD – Voice of the Danube team wishes all partners, members, and friends across the region a happy, healthy, and water-wise New Year 2026! As we step into the new year, we are delighted to share some truly exciting news: the Danube Water Program (DWP) is entering its next phase.

A flagship partnership with a strong legacy

The Danube Water Program is the longstanding flagship cooperation of the World Bank and IAWD, financed by the Austrian Government. Over more than a decade, DWP has become a cornerstone of water sector reform, capacity building, and regional cooperation across the Danube region. Through its unique combination of policy dialogue, technical assistance, capacity development, and peer-to-peer exchange, the program has supported countries and utilities in strengthening water supply and sanitation services, improving governance, and fostering cross-border learning.

Building on this strong foundation and with the continuous support of the Austrian Ministry of Finance, DWP opens a new fith chapter with renewed ambition and a clear focus on water resilience.

DWP Phase V approved – starting January 2026

IAWD and the World Bank are proud to announce that DWP Phase V, themed “Building a Water-Resilient Danube Region,” has been officially approved by the Austrian Ministry of Finance and starts in January 2026.

The new phase reflects a long-term commitment to the region: while IAWD will implement its activities under a three-year grant, the World Bank will continue its engagement for five years, ensuring continuity, depth, and sustained impact well beyond the initial implementation period.

Scope and thematic pillars: linking services and water security

DWP Phase V builds on the achievements of previous phases, with a continued core focus on water supply and sanitation, while explicitly addressing broader water security and climate resilience challenges linked to service delivery. The underlying rationale is clear: reliable, affordable, and well-governed water services cannot be achieved without resilient water resources.

The scope of Phase V is structured around six thematic pillars, each supported by a comprehensive mix of analytical and advisory services, capacity development, knowledge-sharing, and outreach activities:

• Tariffs and Regulation - Supporting effective tariff systems and regulatory frameworks to ensure financial sustainability, efficiency, and accountability.
• EU Accession - Assisting countries in meeting EU water sector requirements, including alignment with directives and standards.
• Water Service Organization - Strengthening institutional and organizational set-ups to improve governance and service delivery performance.
• Utility Strengthening - Enhancing technical, managerial, and financial capacities of water and wastewater utilities. 
• Digitalization and Cybersecurity - Promoting digital solutions and strengthening cybersecurity to improve efficiency, transparency, and resilience.
• Water Resilience & Climate Change - Addressing climate risks such as floods and droughts through mitigation, adaptation, and integrated water management approaches.  

Activities will be implemented through a combination of demand-driven national actions and regionally organized initiatives, allowing for tailored country support while fostering regional cooperation and peer learning. A strong emphasis will be placed on sustaining and strengthening legacy activities, particularly those operated by IAWD such as the Danube Water Conference and Forum as well as the Danube Learning Partnership, to ensure their long-term self-reliance beyond the program's life.

Countries and stakeholders

The proven geographical set-up of DWP will be maintained. Phase V will continue to work with 11 target countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Ukraine and five participating countries: Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

To maximize impact, particular attention will be given to focus countries: Ukraine, Moldova, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

IAWD’s focus: capacity building at the heart of Phase V

Within DWP Phase V, IAWD will place a strong emphasis on capacity building, building on its established platforms and networks. A central role will be played by D-LeaP (Danube Learning Partnership) with a strong wastewater management component, reflecting the requirements of the new EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD).

Looking ahead

In the coming weeks, the joint IAWD-World Bank team will develop the detailed work plan for DWP Phase V. The first major milestone of the new phase is already approaching: the 2026 Danube Water Forum (DWF) in May, which will be the first flagship event of Phase V and set the tone for the years ahead.

As we begin 2026, DWP Phase V sends a strong signal of continuity, partnership, and shared ambition - working together to build a water-resilient Danube region for today and for future generations!