Publication of the CCNR Study on Energy Transition

ccnr studyPro Danube is thrilled to announce the publication of the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR) study on energy transition to a zero-emission inland navigation sector. We were actively involved in the overall research and drafting process of the study dealing with the analysis of possible financial instruments for inland navigation.

Launch of the DAVID Creator

DAVID formsThe DoRIS portal, operated by viadonau, offers another free service to interested waterway users: the DAVID Creator. The new application enables the electronic creation of the internationally harmonised border control forms – the Danube Navigation Standard Forms (short: DAVID forms) - which will further reduce administrative barriers in the Danube Region.

Elaborated in the framework of the EUSDR Working Group PA1A Inland Waterways and PA 11 Security, the DAVID forms facilitate a harmonised and time-efficient border control process, gradually replacing the three most frequently used forms: arrival and departure reports, crew lists, and passenger lists.

Initiated and coordinated by Pro Danube International, the DANTE project was a key facilitator for the implementation and acceptance of the DAVID forms in the Danube riparian countries.

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Pro Danube welcomes "Fit for 55"

eu flagss 0Pro Danube welcomes the release of "Fit for 55", a package of legislative proposals to achieve the EU's 2030 climate targets on the way to the ultimate goal: climate neutrality in 2050. The aim of the Commission's proposals released on 14 July is to reduce net emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990, aligning EU policy with the ambitious political mandates of the European Green Deal and the European Climate Law. This series of 13 cross-cutting legislative proposals include 8 revisions of existing legislation and 5 brand new proposals.

The Fit for 55 package aims to bring transport into the EU decarbonisation process. As the transport sector accounts for approx. 27% of EU emissions, its decarbonisation is essential for the EU to reach its climate targets.

With the adoption of the European Climate Law, the EU's ambitious goal to become in the course of the next decades climate neutral is no longer an option, but a must. The package proposes a clear vision of how to best achieve its climate targets. It represents the most comprehensive set of proposals the Commission has ever presented on climate and energy, setting the basis for a sustainable European economy in the future.

Pro Danube at the Online Webinar on Greening Challenges and Stage V

webinar.banner e1526346630271Under 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.