Pro Danube welcomes the adoption of the "NAIADES III: Boosting future-proof European inland waterway transport" action plan, and the stated commitment to "(...) shift more freight transport on inland waterways, and set the sector on an irreversible path to zero-emissions, underpinned by a paradigm shift towards further digitalisation, as well as accompanying measures to support the current and future workforce. Meeting these core objectives will require an integrated approach and a basket of measures incorporating transport, environmental, digital, energy and fiscal policies, backed up with financial incentives (...)".In its capacity as the representative of the Danube IWT sector, Pro Danube was actively involved in the preparation process towards the action plan, acting as a gateway between the private sector and the EU decision-making entities. Whilst emphasizing the urgent need to adapt to the strict environmental objectives as stipulated in the European Green Deal and the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, Pro Danube highlighted that the sector needs continuous support to be able to cope with these future challenges, emphasizing that greening techniques and the innovative pathway come with a huge cost. It is therefore of utmost importance to secure clear and well-defined further EU policy, financing, and funding instruments in order to boost new technologies and enable IWT businesses to efficiently incorporate them. This is an essential prerequisite to achieve a climate-neutral European transport system by 2050.
NAIADES III was tailored to accomplish the ambitious climate goals of the European Commission, acting as the pillar of the pathway towards a climate-resilient, digital, and reliable inland waterborne transport system. Pro Danube is looking forward to support the implementation of the action programme by its involvement in the Platina3 project.