Europe’s rivers see historic revival as record 603 dams come down in 2025
In a major win for nature, Europe celebrated a record-breaking year for river restoration in 2025, with 603 obsolete dams and weirs removed across the continent. The milestone, reported by environmental group Dam Removal Europe, surpassed the 542 barriers taken down in 2024 and marks growing momentum for free-flowing waterways.
The removals reconnected an impressive 2,300 miles of rivers, giving fish and wildlife fresh pathways to thrive. By opening up migratory routes, the projects are revitalizing habitats and strengthening ecosystems from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean.
Sweden led the continent’s effort with 173 removals, showing strong national commitment to river health. Finland followed closely with 143, and Spain contributed 109. In an encouraging sign of widening support, both Iceland and Macedonia dismantled their first river barriers last year.
The benefits are already visible on the ground. Along the River Lee in north Wales, conservationists are celebrating a surge in sea lamprey nests after Erbistock Weir was removed. The return of the iconic species highlights how quickly nature can rebound when given the chance.
“Seeing these nests is genuinely exciting,” said Joel Rees-Jones, who led the project. “By reconnecting habitats and removing barriers like Erbistock Weir, we’re giving iconic species such as lamprey and Atlantic salmon a fighting chance to thrive.
”While more than 150,000 obsolete barriers still fragment European rivers, Dam Removal Europe says the trend is clear: “Momentum is really building.” With each removal, Europe moves closer to healthier rivers and richer biodiversity.
