As 2025 comes to a close, it marks an important starting point for SWIM. The first months of the project have been about laying strong foundations – bringing together a diverse consortium, aligning ambitions, and setting a clear course towards the protection and restoration of migratory fish habitats across the Danube River Basin and the North-Western Black Sea.

In September, we began with SWIM’s kick-off meeting, where partners came together to officially launch the project and establish a shared vision for the years ahead. From there, SWIM quickly stepped into the broader policy, scientific, and stakeholder landscape. The project was presented at high-level and expert forums, including the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) meeting in Budapest, the SDEWES Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems, and a panel discussion on the preservation of Durmitor National Park and the River Tara in Montenegro. These moments provided valuable opportunities to exchange knowledge, strengthen cooperation, and position SWIM within ongoing basin-wide and international discussions.

At the same time, the project made its first steps from planning to action on the ground. Partner meetings at pilot sites in Croatia helped define timelines, workflows, and priorities for our upcoming activities, from water level management to monitoring efforts. Visits to sites such as the Virovitica ponds highlighted the tangible steps being taken to prepare for future restoration actions, including the adaptation of bred sterlets before their release into natural habitats.

Looking ahead, SWIM enters the next phase with clear direction and growing momentum. Building on the relationships, insights, and groundwork established in 2025, the project will focus on implementing pilot actions, deepening stakeholder engagement, and translating scientific knowledge into solutions that can be scaled across the basin.

The journey has just begun – and we look forward to continuing to swim together in 2026 toward a more connected and resilient future for Europe’s rivers.