On March 7, 2024, we presented our Danube Minimum program at the Valyo Club. This program compiles initiatives within the purview of local governments that can make the Danube riverfront better, more beautiful and livable, and make the Danube accessible to as many people as possible.
We developed the Duna Minimum program with the goal of providing professional recommendations to all mayoral and city council candidates running in the June 2024 municipal elections. They can join the Danube Minimum by filling out a form, in which the candidate commits to actively working to make the Danube riverbank more beautiful, better, and friendlier if elected.
We believe it is important to present the Danube Minimum to Budapest candidates running in the 2026 parliamentary election as well, since they can also actively contribute to making the Danube riverbank a more livable place through their work.
The presentation materials for the Danube Minimum program are available here, the program poster in PDF format is available here, and the form required to join is available here.
City and River Association: Danube Minimum
Proposed development guidelines for the local governments of municipalities and districts located along the Danube.
A barrier-free Danube riverbank that is accessible on foot or by bicycle, featuring direct access to the water and the creation of promenades and lower walkways.
“1. The entire length of the Danube riverbank is accessible to pedestrians and cyclists without barriers.
2. Establishment of pedestrian and bicycle connections every 500 meters.
3. Ensuring that the Danube water is accessible and within reach.
4. Create a lower walkway between the embankments and the Danube.
5. Preserve the immediate area of the Danube riverbank as a space free from commercial pressures.
6. Open the Danube riverbank periodically outside of peak hours for recreational and weekend activities.”
Design of public spaces along the Danube riverbank, and the ecological enhancement of water and green infrastructure through the addition of piers, trees, benches, and rain gardens.
7. Planting trees along the banks of the Danube and watercourses, and creating recreational parks.
8. Developing public infrastructure, piers, water sports docks, and boathouses; providing drinking water, restrooms, and waste collection facilities.
9. Implementation of rainwater retention solutions (rain gardens, rainwater harvesting tanks), and reduction of paved surfaces.
Ensuring adequate water quality and creating safe conditions for recreational water use, such as swimming in the Danube and rowing.
10. Designation and operation of areas suitable for bathing and swimming.
11. Designation of water sports areas where rowing boats and swimmers have priority, so they can use the water safely.
12. Public use of areas around the outlets of thermal and medicinal baths.
13. Development of water-based public transportation, including to suburban areas.
14. Regular monitoring of the Danube’s water quality and communication of the measurement results.
15. Remediation of contaminated areas and groundwater seeping into the Danube.
16. Construction of storm water retention tanks to relieve the burden on the sewer system.
4. Strengthening the Relationship with the Danube and Cooperation
An active partnership between communities, civil society organizations, and government organizations for the Danube.
17. Maintaining cooperation with sports, cultural, community, and advocacy organizations to revitalize the Danube and its riverfront.
18. Protecting and developing the heritage and infrastructure of existing water-based recreational sports, and making them accessible.
19. Creating public spaces along the Danube riverbank by naming stairs, promenades, and other public areas by the local community.
20. Cooperating with relevant authorities, public utility companies, and maintenance providers to achieve the goals of the Danube Minimum.
THOSE WHO JOINED:
Mayor of Budapest:
City council of Budapest:
Mayors:
Council members:
Not elected:
