Reference Actions of the EUSDR Action Plan
(European Commission’s SWD(2020) 59 final, April 2020):
ACTION 1: Contribute to improve waterway and port infrastructure & management
Although enacted within the framework of the TEN-T Regulation (1315/2013), the “European Agreement on Main Inland Waterways of International Importance” (AGN) (which is ratified by all Danube riparian countries except for Germany) and the “Recommendations on minimum requirements for standard fairway parameters, hydrotechnical and other improvements on the Danube” of the Danube Commission, waterway management as well as upgrading and maintenance of the waterway and related infrastructure are under national responsibility.
Consequently, as the Danube is a linear transport axis, transnational coordination is essential for successful development. PA1a has brought up important milestones in this respect, such as the setting up of the Fairway Rehabilitation and Maintenance Masterplan for the Danube and its navigable tributaries, which continues to be a main element in the coordinated development of Danube navigation. (Further information about the Master Plan and the National Action Plans can be found under Key Documents.)
This working group supports this process by linking stakeholders from all user groups and regions and offering an open, but structured discussion basis on selected topics. Thematic coverage includes improvement of the fairway conditions, shore side and ports infrastructure along the Danube and its navigable tributaries as well as taking actions in a sustainable and environmentally sound way. Innovative fairway maintenance, service-oriented optimisation of lock operations and up-to-date shore side infrastructure, improved mooring places and bridge clearances as well as better multimodal accessibility of inland ports and transhipment sites to other transport modes and their hinterland are discussed and their implementation supported.
