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Promotion of inland waterway transport
Promotion of Inland Waterway Transport in the EU
Inland waterway transport (IWT) is a climate-friendly, energy-efficient, and increasingly strategic mode of freight transport. To encourage wider adoption, the European Commission is working to improve conditions for its development and integration into the EU transport system.
Why Promote IWT?
The NAIADES Action Programmes
The EU’s main policy tool for IWT promotion is the NAIADES (Navigation and Inland Waterway Action and Development in Europe) initiative.
The NAIADES Expert Group supports implementation by coordinating action between the Commission, Member States, and industry.
EU Funding and Support
The EU promotes IWT through various funding mechanisms:
Danube Strategy & Regional Cooperation
As part of its broader inland strategy, the EU fosters cooperation along major corridors:
Related Links
Inland waterway transport (IWT) is a climate-friendly, energy-efficient, and increasingly strategic mode of freight transport. To encourage wider adoption, the European Commission is working to improve conditions for its development and integration into the EU transport system.
Why Promote IWT?
- Relieves pressure on congested road corridors
- Reduces CO₂ emissions in line with the European Green Deal
- Offers safe and sustainable logistics for long-distance freight
The NAIADES Action Programmes
The EU’s main policy tool for IWT promotion is the NAIADES (Navigation and Inland Waterway Action and Development in Europe) initiative.
- 🔗 NAIADES I (2006–2013): First comprehensive plan to revitalize inland waterway transport
- 🔗 NAIADES II (2013–2020): Focused on innovation, environmental performance, and jobs
Read NAIADES II overview - 🔗 NAIADES III (2021–2027): Current plan under the Smart and Sustainable Mobility Strategy, emphasising digitalisation, infrastructure, and modal shift
Read about NAIADES III
The NAIADES Expert Group supports implementation by coordinating action between the Commission, Member States, and industry.
EU Funding and Support
The EU promotes IWT through various funding mechanisms:
- 🔗 Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)
CEF Inland Waterways Portfolio 2014–2017 - 🔗 European Fund for Strategic Investments - InvestEU
- 🔗 Cohesion Policy funds – for eligible regions improving inland transport networks
Danube Strategy & Regional Cooperation
As part of its broader inland strategy, the EU fosters cooperation along major corridors:
- Ministers from Danube countries signed declarations in
2012,
2014,
and 2016,
committing to waterway rehabilitation and fairway maintenance, coordinated through the Rhine-Danube Corridor.
Related Links
