CIVIC LANE Exceptionally low water levels on the Danube are beginning to affect transport, electricity production and water-dependent industries across Central and Eastern Europe. Bulgaria’s Kozloduy nuclear plant has reduced output because of low river levels, while Romania introduced emergency measures after the Cernavodă nuclear plant was forced offline and Hungary’s Paks plant also sharply reduced production earlier in August. Low water has also disrupted commercial shipping in the Bulgarian section of the river, forcing vessels to carry smaller loads or wait for safer conditions. The situation shows how drought can spread beyond an environmental problem into energy security, trade, food production and consumer prices. The question is which consequence governments should treat as the most urgent.