Low Danube water levels disrupt shipping and force European nuclear reactor shutdowns

Record-low water levels in the Danube River are causing severe disruptions across Central and Eastern Europe, impacting cargo shipping, river cruises, and energy production.

In Romania, officials shut down one nuclear reactor on Wednesday due to insufficient river water required for cooling systems, with warnings that additional units could be affected if drought conditions persist.

Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated that Hungary's Paks nuclear power plant might face a complete shutdown by the end of the week if river levels continue to drop. Authorities across the region are monitoring the situation closely as reduced river flows threaten both regional supply chains and electrical grid stability.

Sources: Helsingin Sanomat.