(10 September 2013) – The European Commission today announced new measures to get more freight onto Europe’s rivers and canals.
Barges are amongst the most climate-friendly and energy efficient forms of transport but currently they only carry about 6% of European cargo each year.
The new proposals intend to realise the unused potential of Europe’s 37,000 km of inland waterways. They will enable freight to move more easily and lead to further greening of the sector, as well as encouraging innovation and improving job opportunities.
The Commission is proposing actions in the following areas: removing bottlenecks; greening and innovation; better connections to other forms of transport; Investing in a skilled workforce.