The European Union is successfully tearing down hundreds of dams across the continent. It's for our own good

The EU is accelerating river restoration by removing obsolete dams and weirs under its Nature Restoration Regulation.

In 2025, at least 603 barriers were removed, reconnecting more than 3,740 kilometers of rivers across Europe.

Most of the removals were small weirs with little storage value, aimed at improving ecosystems and biodiversity.

Supporters say freer-flowing rivers can also help reduce water-related risks, despite criticism that the policy could worsen droughts.