German Transport Minister Steffen Bilger called a crisis meeting in Bonn for Thursday, August 6, over extremely low water levels in the country's major rivers. The most serious situation is on the Rhine, where the gauge at Kaub reported only 19 centimeters. According to available information, the necessary rainfall is not yet in sight. Spiegel.de ↗
The low water level is restricting shipping traffic and increasing pressure on the federal government to quickly present solutions. The meeting is meant to focus on the impacts of the drought and options for maintaining transport on inland waterways. Even before the meeting, the federal states called on the government for rapid assistance and for a faster pace in expanding and adapting waterways.
The problem is also affecting industry. The chemical sector has warned that low water levels, especially on the Rhine, are burdening the German economy and could lead to production restrictions. It is demanding more state investment in infrastructure that would reduce the vulnerability of transport and supply during periods of drought.
Bilger's swift convening of the summit also drew criticism, as environmental organizations were, according to available information, not invited. The outcome of the meeting in Bonn will show whether the government presents immediate measures for transport and industry, or opens a broader discussion on the long-term adaptation of river infrastructure to more frequent periods of low water.
Germany addresses low Rhine water level at crisis meeting in Bonn
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Sources (8)
Transport eingeschränkt: Treffen mit Minister zu Lösungen für Niedrigwasser-Krise
Die Zeit
| 03:30 06.08.
Spitzentreffen: Niedrigwasser: Bilger setzt auf schnellen Krisen-Dialog
Die Zeit
| 04:00 06.08.
Folgen der Trockenheit: Niedrigwasser: Chemiebranche warnt vor Produktionskürzungen
Tagesspiegel
| 03:31 06.08.
Folgen der Trockenheit: Niedrigwasser: Chemiebranche warnt vor Produktionskürzungen
Die Zeit
| 03:30 06.08.
Niedrigwasser: Rhein verliert Wasser – Pegel Kaub meldet nur 19 Zentimeter
Die Zeit
| 19:11 05.08.
Umweltverbände bleiben außen vor: Verkehrsminister Bilger beruft Niedrigwasser-Gipfel ein
n-tv
| 18:21 05.08.
Deutschland hat ein Problem mit Niedrigwasser: Steffen Bilger lädt zum Krisentreffen nach Bonn
Spiegel.de
| 05:19 06.08.
Maßnahmen gegen historisches Niedrigwasser: Die Länder machen Druck auf Bilger
Tagesspiegel
| 19:17 05.08.
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