Dozens of Bulgarian Vessels Blocked on the Danube: Sofia Urges Hungary to Open Navigation Corridors

Bulgaria has called on Hungary to ensure safe passage for dozens of vessels that have remained stranded along the Hungarian section of the Danube due to navigation restrictions.

On 28 October 2026, Bulgarian Minister of Transport and Communications Georgi Peev held telephone talks with Hungarian Minister of Transport and Investment Dávid Vitézy. The main issue discussed was the establishment of temporary navigation corridors and designated time windows to allow vessels that have been unable to continue their journeys for weeks to resume operations.

According to the Bulgarian Danube Chamber, dozens of Bulgarian vessels remain blocked along the Hungarian section of the river. Representatives of shipping companies believe that the main cause is not only the low water level but also restrictions imposed by the Hungarian authorities in connection with dredging operations.

During a video conference with representatives of the Danube Chamber and shipowners, Georgi Peev emphasized the need for an urgent practical solution. The Bulgarian government is prepared to raise the issue at the European Union level if an agreement with Hungary cannot be reached.

The prolonged disruption of navigation is causing financial losses for shipping companies, complicating the implementation of transport contracts and creating additional risks for international inland waterway logistics.

Commentary by the Institute of Danube Research

The situation along the Hungarian section of the Danube highlights the systemic vulnerability of the Rhine–Danube Trans-European Transport Corridor. Even localized navigation restrictions can disrupt logistics connections between Central and Southeastern European countries.

Of particular concern is the combination of natural factors, primarily low water levels, with administrative and infrastructure-related restrictions. Under such conditions, maintaining uninterrupted navigation requires coordinated action by the Danube Basin countries.

For Ukraine, this issue is directly relevant, as the stability of Danube navigation affects the development prospects of the ports of Izmail, Reni and Ust-Dunaisk, as well as the integration of Ukrainian logistics into the European transport network.

According to experts at the Institute of Danube Research, the situation demonstrates the need for an effective international mechanism to coordinate dredging operations, manage navigation restrictions and ensure reliable passage conditions along critical sections of the Danube.

The Danube Commission and European Union institutions should play a key role in addressing such challenges. Priority should be given to developing coordinated emergency response procedures that minimize vessel delays and improve the predictability of international freight transport.

The issue extends beyond bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Hungary, raising broader concerns about the transport resilience and logistical connectivity of the entire Danube region.