Since then four oil spills have been reported, none of which had transboundary effects. Cyclists pause for a breather on the Danube Bike Trail. Pollution hot spots have been the early focus for development of a strategic action plan for the convention. There are over 300 hot spots in the region, according to Teun Botterweg of the commission's secretariat. These include areas of diffuse pollution as well as point sources such as industrial facilities and untreated sewage outfalls.
Agriculture is the major problem in Austria and Germany and hardest to combat.
That brings a lot of problems to the countries downstream. Addressing the problems caused by hot spots will be expensive, according to Timo M kel , an official in the European Commission's environment directorate. Additional money is available for countries on track to join the EU, though Ben Griepink, a senior official in the process stresses that only 25 percent of spending comes from international donors. Environmental Data Services Ltd, London. All Rights Reserved.