Pro Danube - News

: 02 April 2026

Progress and Perspectives: 2025 in Review, 2026 Outlook

In 2025, Pro Danube continued to advance its mission of strengthening the role of inland waterway transport along the Danube corridor, while contributing to the broader European objectives of sustainable, efficient and resilient transport systems. Throughout the year, the organisation served as a key platform connecting stakeholders across the Danube region, fostering dialogue, innovation and practical solutions aimed at enhancing the efficiency and resilience of inland navigation. The association expanded its network with new members, actively contributed to high-level expert discussions and played a central role in major industry events such as the Danube Ports Days. Through sustained engagement with European stakeholders and institutions, Pro Danube effectively conveyed the sector’s priorities. At the same time, it fostered enhanced cooperation across the region, including facilitating dialogue between waterway administrations and industry actors, contributing to more coordinated and sustainable sector development.

This progress was made possible through strong cooperation with partners, members and institutions who share the vision of a modern and sustainable transport system in Europe.

Key Priorities for 2026

In 2026, Pro Danube will continue to drive collaboration, innovation and progress across the inland waterway transport sector in the Danube Region. Building on previous achievements, the focus will be on supporting concrete, scalable solutions for decarbonisation, while advocating for the effective implementation of the TEN-T Regulation, particularly in the areas of fairway maintenance and sustainable port development.

Strengthening cooperation will remain a priority, with continued dialogue between waterway administrations and the sector contributing to improved coordination and implementation of key measures. At the same time, efforts will advance the harmonisation of crewing frameworks to enhance workforce mobility and safety across the sector.

Engagement with members will also be further reinforced through dedicated platforms for exchange, ensuring alignment on priorities and timely responses to emerging challenges in a rapidly evolving transport landscape. Pro Danube invites you to explore the full report here.

: 19 February 2026

Pro Danube Welcomes on Board Romanian Ports Development

Romanian Ports Development (RPD) is a strong body having an important role in the sustainable development of the Romanian ports on the Black Sea and the Danube through increased investments and increased cargo traffic. RPD contributes to the appropriate legislative decisions and promotes the port industry. RPD strives to increase the level of competition and competitiveness of the member ports.

RPD initiates and supports proposals for normative acts and amendments to current legislation in accordance with international and European standards related to the rights and legitimate interests of economic entities present on port platforms and also beyond the waterborne transport sector. Promoting and improving the economic and social environment of affiliated economic agents, RPD believes that constant action must be maintained, especially since this sector suffers from the lack of specialized labour, and RPD initiates actions aimed at counteracting this phenomenon that leaves deep traces.

Find out more about our new member here:https://www.romanianportsdevelopment.ro/

: 19 February 2026

Pro Danube Welcomes on Board PIMK Shipping Company Ltd.

PIMK is a leading holding in the field of transport and logistics, with 25 years of experience and established presence on the market.

Headquartered in Plovdiv, the company is among the largest transport and logistic groups in Europe, uniting road, rail and intermodal transport under one brand.

PIMK Shipping was established a couple of years ago to expand the offered range of services and to ensure greater client satisfaction.

Find out more about our new member here: https://www.pimk.eu/en

: 08 February 2026

Workshop EU Inland Waterway Transport Policy 2027

Pro Danube International attended the 'EU Inland Waterway Transport Policy Beyond 2027' workshop in Brussels on 19 January 2026. This event focused on shaping the future of inland waterway transport policy beyond 2027. The agenda was structured into two sessions: the first dedicated to evaluating NAIADES 3, and the second to stakeholders' perspectives on future policy in inland waterway transport.
This second session was conducted on working groups with stakeholders from different regions and countries, as well as from the public and private sectors, and addressed three topics: Competitiveness, Sustainability, and Resilience During this session, Pro Danube International addressed the main concerns of our sector and the solutions we expect, as expressed in your feedback, for which we thank you. Along with the other participants' proposals, these were summarised on separate flipcharts for each topic.