Journal of Danubian Studies and Research, Vol 2, No 2 (2012)

Abstract

The Danube, an International River, whose waters cross the Romanian territory over a
distance of 1075 km, is of a particular importance for Europe and it has a huge economic and strategic
significance for our country. The significance of Danube was recognized since ancient times and the
doctrinal opinions highlight the role of the Old River in the existence of the Romanian state. Making
the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal has made it the Pan-European transport corridor. The recent EU
concerns for the Danube region have resulted in the adoption by the Commission in December 2010
EU Strategy for the Danube Region, which aims at strengthening the 14 countries’ cooperation for the
sustainable progress of the region. All these aspects we have covered in the paper addressing Danube
from three angles: historical, legal and geopolitical one. For the elaboration of the paper we have used
as research methods the analysis of the mentioned issues from the doctrine point of view in the
specialized treaties and papers, documentary research, interpretation of legal rules in the field. As the
Danube collects water that flows through the territories, the European countries have to consider a
bond in their effective cooperation for the prosperity of their inhabitants.