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Europe Hits Record 603 River Barrier Removals in 2025

5/28/2026

30 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Sweden removed 173 barriers in 2025, raising Europe’s total to a record 603 removals across 21 countries.
The removals reconnected over 3,740 km of rivers, an 11% increase over 2024.
Iceland dismantled its first dam on the Melsá River in December 2025.
North Macedonia’s Eko-svest removed two barriers on the Kriva and Pcinja Rivers in 2025, restoring 72 km of habitat for €42,000.

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Story summary

Sweden removed 173 barriers in 2025, raising Europe’s total to a record 603 removals across 21 countries.
The removals reconnected over 3,740 km of rivers, an 11% increase over 2024.
Iceland dismantled its first dam on the Melsá River in December 2025.
North Macedonia’s Eko-svest removed two barriers on the Kriva and Pcinja Rivers in 2025, restoring 72 km of habitat for €42,000.