On December 2nd, European Barging Union (EBU) organised its annual event which had a strong focus on the contribution the inland waterway transport (IWT) sector is making to the realisation of key EU policies such as with respect to the Clean Industrial Deal, the development of eco-friendly and resilient tourism, and European Strategic Mobility and preparedness. The event was held at the Austrian Permanent Representation in Brussels.
The welcome address was provided by Ambassador of Austria Mr. Franz Wirtenberger, who underlined the role of river navigation in dual use transport and the war in Ukraine as well as the EU’s modal shift targets.
EBU President Mr. Mathieu Blanc used his keynote address to highlight the role of the sector in the EU Green Deal and military mobility and resilience while stressing the need to properly account for the sector’s investment needs in the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan.
Ms. Ritzek-Seidl, on behalf of Commissioner Tzitzikostas who had to miss the meeting due to conflicting appointments, called attention to the diversity of the sector which contributes to passenger, cruise, freight and event military transport capabilities. Simultaneously, measures in the area of climate adaptation in view of ensuring the sector maintains its edge.
Mr. Robert Tieman, Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands, concurred on the need to adopt measures on climate change adaptation, for example, to counteract riverbed erosion. Furthermore, he notified the audience about the Netherlands’ intention to apply the Emissions Trading System to the IWT sector.
The final keynote address was provided by MEP Tom Berendsen (EPP, Netherlands) who reported on his working visits to IWT operators that thought him about the uniqueness and needs of the sector.
The series of keynote addresses was followed by two panels on 1) the Green and Digital Transition of the Sector and 2) Resilient and Dual-Use Inland Waterways and Ports through preparedness by design. Themes touched upon in the panels ranged from the need to provide refuelling and recharging infrastructure and the role of the sector in the competitiveness and connectivity of industry to investments that are required to upgrade infrastructure such as by reinforcing bridges and locks, also in view of preparing for military mobility and preparedness needs.
