The member states' permanent representatives endorsed today (7.3.2014)  the compromise reached between the Council and the European Parliament concerning an updated regulation on a Community fleet capacity policy to promote inland waterway transport.

The new text also provides for measures to strengthen the organisations representing inland waterway transport at EU level. The sector currently suffers from fragmentation, and stronger Union-wide organisations can help to mitigate this.

The Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks Michalis Chrissochoidis said about the agreement:

“Reaching an agreement for the management of funds dedicated to inland waterways will enable utilization of inactive for long time resources. The Greek Presidency continues to work hard towards a successful conclusion for all transport files”.

To come into effect, the text still needs to be formally approved by the Parliament, whose vote in plenary is expected to take place in April, and the Council, which is due to take its decision after the vote in Parliament.