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
Issue has not been solved
Termination was illegal,
Variant C was illegal