In 2006, the European Commission launched the action programme NAIADES to support a better use of inland waterway transport. This action programme will come to an end in 2013. The European Commission has started the preparation work for a follow-up programme as of 2014.
The new follow-up programme is aimed at addressing the outstanding action areas and to take account of new transport priorities which have been recently formulated in the Commission's white paper on transport. The EU Council of transport ministers has expressed in its council conclusions of 16 June 2011 which actions should be considered as priorities for the follow-up programme as of 2014. The Council of transport ministers stresses in particular the importance of removing bottlenecks, establishing intermodal connections from sea and inland ports to the hinterland, modernising the fleet, and further developing the River Information Services (RIS) for traffic and transport management in inland navigation. The Council also underlines the importance of waterways for the transport of passengers and tourism.
The Commission is encouraging all interested parties in an online public consultation to contribute their views on what policy measures are needed to address the future challenges of the inland waterway transport sector in the new programme for 2014-2020. With this questionnaire, the Commission invites interested stakeholders to share their views and opinions on a future policy to promote inland waterway transport in Europe before 1 September 2011.
The Commission plans to present a proposal for the new action programme before the end of 2011.
The new follow-up programme is aimed at addressing the outstanding action areas and to take account of new transport priorities which have been recently formulated in the Commission's white paper on transport. The EU Council of transport ministers has expressed in its council conclusions of 16 June 2011 which actions should be considered as priorities for the follow-up programme as of 2014. The Council of transport ministers stresses in particular the importance of removing bottlenecks, establishing intermodal connections from sea and inland ports to the hinterland, modernising the fleet, and further developing the River Information Services (RIS) for traffic and transport management in inland navigation. The Council also underlines the importance of waterways for the transport of passengers and tourism.
The Commission is encouraging all interested parties in an online public consultation to contribute their views on what policy measures are needed to address the future challenges of the inland waterway transport sector in the new programme for 2014-2020. With this questionnaire, the Commission invites interested stakeholders to share their views and opinions on a future policy to promote inland waterway transport in Europe before 1 September 2011.
The Commission plans to present a proposal for the new action programme before the end of 2011.