Gabčíkovo–Nagymaros Dams Project

Slovakia vs. Hungary  

Overview

1. Gabčíkovo–Nagymaros Project
2. Project development

3. International Court of Justice      involvement

Danube River Basin

Project

• Large cross-border barrage project on the Danube
• Initiated in 1977 (Budapest Treaty)

Prevent floods, improving river navigability & producing clean electricity

Gabčíkovo–Nagymaros Project (original)

Development of the project 

• Budapest Treaty (1977)
   
• Environmental concerns - slow down project
• Protest movements in Hungary (1984)
   
• Decision by Hungarian government to suspend work (1989) and to terminate contract
• ​Slovak government searches for alternatives (1991)

Art 15.1 "The quality of the river is not to be impared"

Gabčíkovo–Nagymaros Project (Variant C)

International Court of Justice

• Conflict is taken before the International Court of Justice (1993)
   
• Court Decision (1997):

"Both parties must negotiate to ensure the achievements of objectives of the 1977 Budapest Treaty"

New Agreement 

Termination was illegal,

Variant C was illegal

How can this conflict be resolved?