During the Tackling Floods work visit in March 2026, Water Authority Limburg in Roermond welcomed Dutch and Romanian partners for an important next step in their collaboration.
While previous exchanges largely focused on sharing knowledge, this visit marked a clear shift towards deepening relationships and turning ideas into practical action. Particular attention was given to advancing three joint projects and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
The work visit brought together experts from several Dutch water authorities, Romanian water authorities and Dutch knowledge institutes (IVK). The opening session highlighted the importance of international cooperation within the Blue Deal programme. By pooling knowledge and experience, partners are better equipped to tackle a shared challenge: improving protection against (flash) floods.
From knowledge to action
Throughout the week, participants worked on three case studies in Romania: the Nigel River, a damaged dam near Măgura, and flooding issues around a railway underpass in Bacău.
Technical sessions and field visits in South Limburg provided both inspiration and practical insights. Participants explored how Nature-Based Solutions, such as restoring natural river processes, can be combined with more traditional engineering measures. The focus noticeably shifted from exploring possibilities to shaping concrete next steps.
For both the Nigel River and the damaged dam, partners agreed to initiate feasibility studies. Early sketches of potential measures were developed and will be elaborated into technical designs in the next phase. Step by step, the collaboration is beginning to deliver tangible outcomes.
Putting stakeholders at the centre
Another key theme during the work visit was stakeholder management. Dedicated sessions focused on how to involve stakeholders more effectively, including local authorities, landowners and users of the area. Together, participants worked on:
- updating stakeholder analyses, including SWOT assessments,
- defining tailored strategies for different stakeholder groups,
- and planning concrete actions such as meetings and site visits.
Discussions made clear that strong stakeholder engagement can make or break a project. Limited cooperation from landowners and regulatory constraints around infrastructure remain real challenges. At the same time, active involvement of local decision-makers – such as mayors – can help unlock progress and build momentum.
Building towards the next phase
Beyond technical discussions, the work visit also strengthened the partnership between all involved. A set of clear follow-up actions has been agreed, ranging from further technical analyses and deeper exploration of Nature-Based Solutions to enhanced knowledge exchange, stakeholder strategies and identifying funding opportunities within European programmes.
In the coming months, partners will focus on carrying out feasibility studies, refining designs and engaging stakeholders on the ground. The collaboration will continue in September 2026 with a follow-up meeting in Bacău, Romania, where progress will be reviewed and new steps will be defined.
This work visit marks a clear shift in the partnership: from learning to doing, from exploring ideas to shaping real solutions. An important step towards more resilient and sustainable approaches to flood risk management.
