„Danube Transport Day“ in the European Parliament addressed innovation needs of the IWT sector
Published: November 23, 2017
On 23 November 2017, Pro Danube International together with MEP Ana-Claudia Tapardel organised the second edition of the “Danube Transport Day” in the European Parliament, an event dedicated to the promotion of Danube transportation as vital element of the economic development of the Danube region. The event was held under the slogan to provide “Green, efficient & innovative Danube Transport”. The aim was to raise the awareness of the members of the European Parliament, the European Commission as well as of invited policy makers towards the innovation needs and the planned innovation activities
The event brought together high level representatives from the European Commission, European Parliament, the Danube States with the high level industry leaders as well as more than 70 experts and stakeholders with a dedicated interest in the Danube navigation.
As keynote speaker, the EU Commissioner Violeta Bulc expressed the support for transforming the Danube into a sustainable core transport axis of the European Union. Commissioner Bulc reviewed some initiatives through which the EC supports regional cooperation, and called upon stakeholders to be more active in addressing national and European decision-makers in order to increase the visibility of the inland navigation sector in the political debate. According to Commissioner Bulc,„The economic potential of the Danube region is infinite and the European Commission is ready to pay extra attention to inland navigation. Now that we are at a turning point in the transport sector, one in which we are trying to integrate digitalisation and sustainability objectives, inland navigation can be a defining element of the European connectivity and logistics network. However, I would like to point out that this sector is still underrepresented and promoted in Brussels. That is why today I appeal to those present to find a common message and to draw up an action plan that the Commission can then support financially and technically“.
„Inland navigation can be a defining element of the European connectivity and logistics network.“ EU Commissioner Violeta BULC
Mr Manfred Seitz, Secretary General of Pro Danube International, raised the awareness towards the innovation needs of the Danube IWT sector. According to Mr Seitz, “The Danube Region needs smart, sustainable and inclusive growth based on a modern transport system. Danube waterways can provide efficient logistics solutions both in terms of costs and from an environmental perspective, which will improve the competitive situation of many industries that seek access to the Black Sea, Caspian and Middle East markets. Targeted innovation will steer to the modernisation of this important sector and will result into a revitalised of the Danube transport among transport users, logistics service providers and the wider public.” Mr Seitz introduced the third major lead project of Pro Danube – GRENDEL addressing modernisation of vessels and the logistics processes of the vessels operators.
„Targeted innovation will steer to the modernisation of this important sector and will result into a revitalised of the Danube transport among transport users, logistics service providers and the wider public.“ Mr Manfred Seitz, Secretary General of Pro Danube International
More including presentations can be found under here.