Record number of dams dismantled in Europe in effort to help wildlife thrive
A record number of 602 water barriers were dismantled across Europe last year to restore rivers and support wildlife. This effort is part of a broader initiative to reconnect 15,500 miles of rivers by 2030. The removals have increased significantly since 2020, with countries like Sweden, Finland, and Spain leading the way.
- ▪In 2025, 602 barriers were removed across Europe, marking an 11% increase from the previous year.
- ▪The EU aims to restore 15,500 miles of rivers to their natural state by 2030.
- ▪More than three-quarters of the barriers removed were less than 2 meters tall, making them easier to dismantle.
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The rapids on the Hiitolanjoki River in Finland are flowing freely after the Ritakoski Dam was dismantled, one of 143 water barriers removed in the country last year. Photograph: Maija Koskinen/Maija Koskinen / Alamy Stock PhotoView image in fullscreenThe rapids on the Hiitolanjoki River in Finland are flowing freely after the Ritakoski Dam was dismantled, one of 143 water barriers removed in the country last year. Photograph: Maija Koskinen/Maija Koskinen / Alamy Stock PhotoRiversRecord number of dams dismantled in Europe in effort to help wildlife thriveWeirs, culverts and sluices among 602 barriers demolished in year in attempt to restore 15,500 miles of rivers by 2030Ajit NiranjanThu 21 May 2026 08.14 EDTLast modified on Thu 21 May 2026 08.15 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleA few…
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