In 2025, a large part of the Rhine dike near Emmerich in Germany was raised and widened. As a result, the risk of a dike breach during extremely high water levels has virtually disappeared. Such a breach would have major consequences for the Achterhoek and the Liemers regions.
The Netherlands and the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia have been cooperating since 1997 to protect against high water in the border region. The Rhine flows through both areas. A flood or dike breach on one side of the border can directly affect the other country.
New Cooperation Agreement
During the 8th Dutch-German High Water Conference on December 3, 2025, we signed a new cooperation agreement together with the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. This strengthens our joint commitment to high water safety.