Journal of Danubian Studies and Research, Vol 1, No 1 (2011)

Abstract

For the Romanian, the Danube is more than a communication way, a naval border, an
energy resource or a means for different industries. It is a symbol of ethno genesis (Carpatho-
Danubian-Pontic), of their continuity and their future. For these reasons, the Romanians have always
sought to be actively involved in establishing a legal regime of the river that would be favorable, even
if the originators and those who have decided this arrangement in different historical periods did not
give any interest to take account the wishes of Romanians. The legal instrument of international law
regime governing navigation on the Danube is currently the Belgrade Convention signed on 18
August 1948 by seven riparian states. Besides the fact that some of them do not currently exist
(U.R.S.S., Czech Republic and People's Federal Republic of Yugoslavia), during the 63 years there
have been political changes and profound economic transformations that require, undoubtedly, a
reassessment of the old legal rules and a formal agreement with the new realities. On the other hand,
legal provisions have so far primarily considered shipping, trade, and naval presence. Environmental
issues were the subject of other documents and it is necessary in our opinion, to unify them as a single
act of international law.