|
 Under the title Greening Challenges and Stage V, organised by the European IWT Platform and attended by Pro Danube's transnational branch organisations, innovative technology providers, representatives of the public sector as well as international organisations, the core objective of the webinar was to discuss, analyse and provide recommendations on the more than challenging pathway towards a climate resilient European IWT system. Given the adoption of NAIADES III as well as the provisions of the European Green Deal and the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, the webinar provided a fruitful ground to share information and provide several examples of good practices.
PDI was represented by its General Secretary, Mr. Robert Rafael, who provided information on the major outcomes of the GRENDEL project which established a solid partnership under the lead of Pro Danube International, culminating in the proposal of a dedicated State Aid Scheme for Fleet Modernisation. This innovative financial instrument takes several aspects such as greening, efficiency, and innovative technological solutions into consideration. The model state aid scheme was developed to serve as a guideline for Danube riparian countries to develop national state aid schemes for fleet modernisation according to their individual needs and requirements. Since the vast majority of the Danube inland fleet is outdated in terms of economic and environmental performance, modernising inland vessels and adapting them to the new digital era and envisaged climate-neutral European transport system is no longer an option, but a must. This shall be achieved with a mix of funding and financing solutions.
|
