Water Security in a Changing World: A Case Study of Central and Eastern Europe

Absztrakt

Every living creature on the planet depends on water consumption to survive. From plants to animals, microorganisms, and humans, water is the fundamental element of life that allows existence on Earth. That is why having access to clean water is considered to be a basic human right that is protected under the UN charter of Human Rights (Resolution A/RES/64/292). For developed regions, access to clean and drinkable water is not considered an everyday struggle, or at least it wasn’t until a couple of years ago, with climate change affecting every corner of the world. For developing and least developed countries, water security issues are an ongoing problem that are threatening not only their well -being, but also their existence. Even though water security is considered to be a serious matter in the international arena of politics, there are a lot of difficulties regarding the research of this concept, due to the fact that water security is such an extensive topic. There are many approaches that can be considered when researching the subject of water security; transboundary water conflicts, international aid and water development or the role of international organisations, are just a few examples of water security perspectives. Throughout European history, Central Europe was, and still is to this day, the bridge between East and West, the border between Western and Eastern civilizations. Many of the most important water resources of the European continent are found in Central Europe, with rivers such as the Danube River, Rhine River and Elbe River being important social, economic and cultural elements of Central European countries. The importance of these rivers is great from a water security perspective; they are sources of fresh and clean water, thus they can influence the industrial sector and agriculture. From a geopolitical perspective they play a crucial role in key trade routes, connecting Central Europe with the Black Sea, and the European South and North. Of the eleven CEE countries, only four (Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Lithuania) have a direct access to the sea. Sea routes are important not only from an economic perspective but also from a geopolitical perspective as well. Next to gold, oil and gas, as well as other natural elements, water has been, is, and is going to be one of the most influential political and geopolitical tools of the political global stage.