EU Strategy for the Danube Region · Commission Staff Working Document: Action Plan Accompanying...

EU Strategy for the Danube Region Priority Area 1a – To improve mobility and multimodality: Inland waterways

Road Mapfor the implementation of

Priority Area 1a on inland waterwaysof the EU Danube Region Strategy

DRAFT VERSION

Author(s):

Technical Secretariats ofCoordinators of Priority Area 1a

Version (date):

V 0.7 | 18.04.2012

Table of Contents

1 Introduction.......................................................................................................... 3 2 Recurrent Activities in PA 1a ............................................................................... 4 3 Specific Activities in PA 1a .................................................................................. 7

3.1 Action: Waterway Management: creating reliable waterway infrastructure .. 7 3.2 Action: Ports and sustainable freight transport............................................. 9 3.3 Action: Fleet Modernisation........................................................................ 10 3.4 Action: River Information Services data exchange..................................... 12 3.5 Action: Harmonisation in education and certification .................................. 12 3.6 Action: IWT Policy – Administrative Barriers .............................................. 14 3.7 Action: IWT Policy – Inter-Ministerial Committee........................................ 15

4 Annex – Thematic Overview.............................................................................. 18 4.1 Waterway Infrastructure ............................................................................. 18

4.1.1 Actions defined in Action Plan............................................................. 18 4.1.2 Relevant targets .................................................................................. 18 4.1.3 Overview: Waterway Infrastructure ..................................................... 20

4.2 Waterway Management ............................................................................. 21 4.2.1 Actions defined in Action Plan............................................................. 21 4.2.2 Relevant targets .................................................................................. 21 4.2.3 Overview: Waterway Management ..................................................... 22

4.3 Ports & Sustainable Freight Transport ....................................................... 23 4.3.1 Actions defined in Action Plan............................................................. 23 4.3.2 Relevant targets .................................................................................. 23 4.3.3 Overview: Ports & Sustainable Freight Transport ............................... 24

4.4 Fleet Modernisation.................................................................................... 25 4.4.1 Actions defined in Action Plan............................................................. 25 4.4.2 Relevant targets .................................................................................. 25 4.4.3 Overview. Fleet Modernisation............................................................ 26

4.5 River Information Services ......................................................................... 27 4.5.1 Actions defined in Action Plan............................................................. 27 4.5.2 Relevant targets .................................................................................. 27 4.5.3 Overview: River Information Services ................................................. 28

4.6 Education & Jobs ....................................................................................... 29 4.6.1 Actions defined in Action Plan............................................................. 29 4.6.2 Relevant targets .................................................................................. 29 4.6.3 Overview: Education & Jobs ............................................................... 30

2012-04-18_Road_Map_EUSDR_PA1a_Draft_v7clean.doc | Creation date: 19/04/2012 of 30

1 Introduction

The European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) foresees as one important thematic pillar to improve mobility and multimodality in the Danube region. This document describes the Road Map for the implementation of the EUSDR Action Plan1 in the field of inland waterways, which is referenced in the Communication from the European Commission on the EUSDR2 as "Priority Area 1a" (PA 1a). The identified action fields shall contribute / ensure to achieve the targets specified in the Communication by the Commission, albeit as amended by the Steering Group of PA 1a in autumn 2011.

Generally speaking, the implementation of the Road Map shall help to exploit the full market potential of inland waterway transport in the Danube region and to make its use more attractive. This is fully in line with the EU's commitment to shift transport flows to less energy-intensive, cleaner and safer modes of transport. Thus, the Road Map also links up to relevant European policy fields, such as the European Action Programme for Inland Waterway Transport (NAIADES 2007-2013), the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), the White Paper on Transport 2011 (Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area – Towards a competitive and resource efficient transport system) and the EU 2020 Strategy.

In order to implement the Road Map efforts from a series of relevant actors need to be taken. As a consequence this document is addressed to all of the following actors, most of them are also part of the Steering Group of PA 1a:

European Commission (represented by its Directorate-Generals for Regional Policy, Mobility and Transport as well as Environment)

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)

14 Danube region countries

River commissions (Danube Commission, International Sava River Basin Commission, International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River)

Industry (e.g. shipping industry, navigation companies, port operators)

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

Financing Institutions (e.g. EIB, EBRD)

Finally it must be stated that the actions will have to be implemented by a set of different instruments (legislative, policy and support instruments) and by means of specific projects. Accordingly, the Road Map shall give a general overview on all these instruments and also inform about concrete planned activities and projects in the near future. In this sense the Road Map should be understood as a rolling document, which will be updated on a regular basis (once a year) in order to constantly monitor the implementation of the actions.

1 Commission Staff Working Document: Action Plan Accompanying document to the Communication from the Commission to

the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: European Union Strategy for the Danube Region, SEC(2010) 1489 final.

2 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: European Union Strategy for the Danube Region, COM(2010) 715 final.


http://ec.europa.eu/transport/inland/promotion/naiades_en.htm

2 Recurrent Activities in PA 1a

In order to meet the defined actions and targets for PA 1a on inland waterways stated in the EUSDR Action Plan, the Coordinators of Priority Area 1a (PAC 1a) together with involved actors will have to undertake a number of recurrent and continuous activities in the coming years.

All measures described in this chapter take into consideration the existing institutional framework (organisations and their inherent requirements and decision-making procedures) given by the macro-regional concept of the EUSDR (European Commission, PAC 1a, Steering Group, Working Groups and Stakeholder Conference).

The planned recurrent activities can be demonstrated by a consistent approach / method comprising milestones / activities, the responsible and involved organisations, the timeframe of implementation, tasks (sub-activities) and the expected output / results related to the specific milestone or activity.

Milestone / Activity Project identification

Organisation resp. PAC 1a

Organisation inv. PAC 1a, Steering Group, Working Groups, Project Lead Partners

Timeframe Recurrent (initial: May 2012)

Tasks Continuous identification of relevant projects and their status (project ideas, under preparation, ongoing)

Evaluation, editing and completion of received data in standardised project data sheets

Coordination with Project Lead Partners

Output / Results Online project data base

Milestone / Activity Project assessment

Organisation resp. PAC 1a, Steering Group

Organisation inv. PAC 1a, Steering Group


Tasks Definition and agreement about relevant parameters considering EUSDR provisions

Identification of projects which fulfil the project labelling criteria for PA 1a are thus in line with the actions / targets of PA 1a

Output / Results Project list


Milestone / Activity Support of the Decision-Making Board (Steering Committee)




Tasks Provision of SG forum to discuss the results and implementation status of the EUSDR in the countries as well as the contribution to the implementation of PA 1a of all other organisations / institutions represented in the SG

Output / Results Regular information to Steering Group

Milestone / Activity Communication and Dissemination


Organisation inv. PAC 1a, Project Lead Partners and Project Promoters, Stakeholders


Tasks Implementation, maintenance and update of a website for PA 1a at www.danube-navigation.eu

Publication and regular update of online information in online project database made available at the PA 1a website (project leaders / promoters)

Promotion of the EUSDR at conferences, via press releases etc.

Output / Results Website and Intranet

Milestone / Activity Letter of Recommendation for Projects

Organisation resp. PAC 1a, Steering Group



Tasks Preparation of Letters of Recommendation

Decision in Steering Group on Letters of Recommendation to be issued for projects which fulfil the project labelling criteria for PA 1a and are thus in line with the actions / targets of PA 1a

Output / Results Letters of Recommendation


http://www.danube-navigation.eu/

Milestone/Activity Organisation of Meetings


Organisation inv. PAC 1a, Stakeholders, Steering Group, European Commission


Tasks Accomplishing meetings for Steering Group, Working Groups (including ad hoc meetings), Stakeholders (Stakeholder Conference), external meetings

Coordination with other PACs of the EUSDR

Output / Results Plan, organisation and documentation of meetings


3 Specific Activities in PA 1a

Beside recurrent activities for implementing PA 1a the EUSDR, specific activities shall be accomplished with direct and varying involvement of the Technical Secretariats for PA 1a and respective stakeholders supporting the targets and actions of PA 1a. In this context, specific activities have to be clearly distinguished from already existing, ongoing or planned activities as well as the projects collected in the continuously updated “project data base” of the EUSDR PA1a.

With the exception of the project “Implementation of Innovative Danube Vessel”, which will be implemented on behalf of the European Commission, the additional individual activities / topics proposed in this chapter shall be seen as a first and selected outcome of the second Meeting of the Working Groups which was held in Vienna (March 2012) or as single initiatives / proposals made by representatives of the Steering Group of PA 1a. Hence, the definition and approval of individual activities are an iterative process during the implementation of the EUSDR based on information from the stakeholders and the available resources of the PAC 1a. Proposals for specific activities with dedicated involvement of PAC 1a will have to be discussed and agreed on by the Steering Group.

The following planned specific activities can be demonstrated by a consistent approach / method comprising milestones / activities, the responsible and involved organisations, the timeframe of implementation, tasks (sub-activities) and the expected output / results related to the specific milestone or activity.

3.1 Action: Waterway Management: creating reliable waterway infrastructure

Activity Create a reliable waterway infrastructure by improving the waterway maintenance

Milestone 1 Status Quo of waterway infrastructure and improvement activities

Organisation resp. EC (DG REGIO and DG MOVE), PAC 1a

Organisation inv. EC, PAC 1a, Steering Group Members (countries: Ministries of Transport)

Timeframe May 2012

Tasks Presentation of status Quo & proposed improvement measures per country during the SG meeting on 3 May 2012 (on the basis of the request by the EC – letter of Commissioners Hahn and Kallas)

Output / Results Status Quo analysis of waterway infrastructure & related improvement activities for waterway maintenance

Milestone 2 High-Level meeting between EC and Danube Region countries

Organisation resp. EC

Organisation inv. EC, Danube riparian countries, PAC 1a

Timeframe June 2012


Tasks Convene High-Level meeting between EC (DG REGIO and DG MOVE) and Danube Region countries (Ministers of Transport) on the topic "Create reliable Danube waterway infrastructure" (Transport Council on 7-8 June)

Commitments of the countries on the creation of a reliable waterway infrastructure (short- and medium-term implementation via improved maintenance works; long-term implementation via realization of infrastructure projects)

Output / Results Results of High-Level meeting and related commitments from Danube Region countries

Milestone 3 Develop National Strategy Plans on Waterway Management

Organisation resp. Countries (Ministries of Transport)

Organisation inv. EC, PAC 1a, Steering Group (Countries), National waterway administrations

Timeframe January 2013

Tasks Create National Strategy Plans on Waterway Management, including improvement measures on the short-, medium and long-term perspective (incorporating results from ongoing activities as e.g. the NEWADA project)

Output / Results National Strategy Plans on Waterway Management

Milestone 4 Implement National Strategy Plans on Waterway Management

Organisation resp. Countries (Ministries of Transport)

Organisation inv. EC, PAC 1a, Steering Group (Countries), National waterway administrations

Timeframe January 2013 – recurrent

Tasks Implement measures of the "National Strategy Plans on Waterway" development of a work structure plan and work plan and responsibilities

Continuously report on the status of the national implementation to the EC & the SG members

Installation of a Danube Expert Group on optimisation of / innovation in waterway maintenance

Output / Results Improved waterway infrastructure; Continuous national reports on implementation status of Strategy Plan on Waterway Management (via SG meetings)


3.2 Action: Ports and sustainable freight transport

Activity To develop ports in the Danube river basin into multimodal logistic centres

Milestone 1 Optimise/update online promotion and information tools


Organisation inv. Port Authorities, IWT Industry, PAC 1a, Working Group, Steering Group


Tasks Danube Ports online

Blue Pages

Output / Results Updated information on ports

Milestone 2 Study for defining port benchmarks



Timeframe September 2013

Tasks Set up a group of experts

Identification of benchmarks applicable for all the ports within the Danube region

Report to the Steering Group on proposed benchmarks for implementation

Output / Results Port benchmarks

Milestone 3 Disseminate good practices on ports in the Danube region



Timeframe May 2013

Tasks Attending to IWT events

Output / Results Acknowledge stakeholders on ports good practices


3.3 Action: Fleet Modernisation

Activity Implementation of Innovative Danube Vessel Project

Milestone 1 Development of Specifications



Timeframe April 2012

Tasks Analysing the legal the framework

Exploration of the existing knowledge and scientific background

Defining the specifications for the study “Innovative Danube Vessel”

Output / Results List of specifications and procurement documents

Milestone 2 Tendering procedure



Timeframe April–May 2012

Tasks International announcement of procurement documents

Analysing submitted documents from the bidders

Organising of a Selection Board

Output / Results Awarding of a bidder consortium

Milestone 3 Steering Committee for the study "Innovative Danube Vessel"


Organisation inv. PAC 1a, Steering Group, bidder consortium


Tasks establishing a Steering Committee

organising regularly meetings for discussion about results, applied methods and involved stakeholders

Output / Results Steering Committee Meetings

Milestone 4 Draft version


Organisation resp. Bidder consortium

Organisation inv. PAC 1a, bidder consortium

Timeframe May 2013

Tasks developing a draft version of the study “Innovative Danube Vessel”

Feedback from PAC 1a

Output / Results Final draft version of the study "Innovative Danube Vessel"

Milestone 5 Validation

Organisation resp. PAC 1a, bidder consortium

Organisation inv. PAC 1a, Steering Group, Working Groups

Timeframe June 2013

Tasks validating the results with the project Steering Committee

validating the results with EUSDR Steering Group

discussion of results in EUSDR Working Group meetings

Amending draft version of study “Innovative Danube Vessel”

Output / Results Final study "Innovative Danube Vessel"

Milestone 6 Dissemination



Timeframe August 2013

Tasks Dissemination of results

Presentation of outputs via website and other relevant media (PLATINA etc.)

Definition of follow-up activities

Output / Results Dissemination documents, informed stakeholders and decision makers in the EUSDR region


3.4 Action: River Information Services data exchange

Activity Support the legal provision for the international exchange of RIS data

Milestone 1 Encourage national RIS authorities to adapt national law




Tasks Adapt national law to allow RIS data exchange with RIS providers from other countries

Set up mutual agreements with logistics users

Output / Results Legal basis for RIS data exchange set up on national level

Milestone 2 Approach DG Move to support international RIS data exchange



Timeframe June 2012

Tasks Approach the European Commission's Directorate-General Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) to extend and detail the RIS Directive to explicitly mandate EU member states to exchange RIS data amongst each other

Output / Results DG MOVE confirms willingness to the extend RIS Directive

3.5 Action: Harmonisation in education and certification

Activity Support the information and participation of Danube Region in the European process of modernisation and harmonisation of education and certification in inland navigation

Milestone 1 Status Quo Report


Organisation inv. PAC 1a, Working Group, Steering Group



Tasks Collect information (PLATINA Joint Steering Group, DC, CCNR , UNECE,…)

Prepare report and presentation

Identify interest and information level within steering group

Output / Results Short report on status quo to Steering Group, incl. feedback

Milestone 2 Identification of national stakeholder

Organisation resp. PAC 1a, Working Group, HINT activity resp. for policy dissemination of STCIN

Organisation inv. PAC 1a, Steering Group, (national) Stakeholders

Timeframe May 2013

Tasks Discuss HINT approach of national dissemination and involvement of stakeholders in working group

Ask Steering Group for national Stakeholder dissemination / involvement where stakeholders are not jet involved / identified

Support of national workshops with information and contacts

Output / Results List of national stakeholders

Milestone 3 Regular information of steering group

Organisation resp. PAC 1a, Working Group

Organisation inv. PAC 1a, Steering Group, (national) Stakeholders, HINT team

Timeframe September 2013 – recurrent

Tasks Short update information on European process and involvement of Danube Region (countries)

Output / Results Information to Steering Group

Milestone 4 Information brochure on STCIN

Organisation resp. PAC 1a, Working Group eventually in cooperation with HINT

Organisation inv. Working Group eventually in cooperation with HINT; Joint working group on STCIN (PLATINA)

Timeframe May 2013

Tasks Prepare short brochure on targets and involved institutions / countries in EN

Possible translation in Danube languages through working group


members, HINT

Dissemination of brochure with stakeholders and IWT sector

Output / Results Information brochure on STCIN, incl. dissemination

3.6 Action: IWT Policy – Administrative Barriers

Activity Support project development for the next SEE call "Reducing administrative barriers for IWT along the Danube"

Milestone 1 Working Group


Organisation inv. PAC 1a, Working Group, Steering Group


Tasks Proactive forming and motivating of a dedicated Working Group on “administrative Barriers within IWT on the Danube” in the frame of the EUSDR

Output / Results List of attendees

Milestone 2 SWOT Analysis

Organisation resp. PAC 1a, Working Group on “administrative Barriers for IWT on the Danube”

Organisation inv. PAC 1a, Steering Group, Stakeholders

Timeframe November 2012

Tasks SWOT analysis about reducing administrative barriers for IWT

Finding out relevant actors in the Danube countries with support of the EUSDR Steering Group

Feedback from the Steering Group on SWOT analysis

Output / Results SWOT analysis, list of experts

Milestone 3 Lead Partner and Partner Consortium

Organisation resp. Stakeholders

Organisation inv. PAC 1a, Steering Group, Working Group on “administrative Barriers for IWT on the Danube”


Timeframe January 2013

Tasks supporting the constitution of a possible partner consortium for the preparation of a proposal in the SEE or another relevant EU funding programme

Information of relevant candidates about the role and duties of Lead Partners

Analysing national funding resources for co-financing means

Output / Results Proposal of possible Lead and Project Partners

Milestone 4 Workshops

Organisation resp. PAC 1a, Working Group on “administrative Barriers for IWT on the Danube”, Partner Consortium


Timeframe May 2013

Tasks organising workshops for preparing an application form or pre-stages

development of a work structure plan and work plan including responsibilities

defining next steps

Output / Results Workshops and work structure plan

Milestone 5 Letter of Recommendation


Organisation inv. PAC 1a, Steering Group, Partner Consortium

Timeframe August 2013

Tasks Discussion on the project proposal in the Steering Group

Issuing of a EUSDR Letter of recommendation for the Lead Partner

Output / Results Lobbying and Letter of recommendation

3.7 Action: IWT Policy – Inter-Ministerial Committee

Activity Inter-ministerial committee to be set up between the neighbouring countries

Milestone 1 Identify interventions


Organisation resp. National authorities responsible for project development

Organisation inv. PAC 1a and national authorities responsible for projects development


Tasks Identify the possible common interventions for implementation of the projects: Short- term – till 2020, mid term – till 2030; long-term – till 2050

Setting up an inter-ministerial committee between Romania and Bulgaria or other neighbouring interested countries

Revise the Agreement between the Government of Republic of Romania and Government of Republic of Bulgaria (1955)

identify a project list

Output / Results List of projects; inter-ministerial committee;

Milestone 2 Identify the funding

Organisation resp. National authorities responsible for projects implementation from Romania and Bulgaria, or other neighbouring interested countries

Organisation inv. EC, national authorities, inter-ministerial committee and other financing institutions

Timeframe October 2012 – recurrent

Tasks Analysing funding framework (national and EU) like TEN-T, CEF

Prepare for the use of the newly proposed financial instrument Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for financing the project.

Identify other sources of funding for those activities not eligible under CEF

Finding out responsible authorities

Output / Results Accelerate/facilitate the implementation of projects

Milestone 3 Prepare the project and identify the lots

Organisation resp. Inter-ministerial committee

Organisation inv. National authorities responsible for project implementation from Romania and Bulgaria, or other neighbouring interested countries


Tasks The inter-ministerial committee will identify the projects to be developed and will support the following tasks:

Feasibility studies


SEA study (if needed)

EIA study

Preliminary design (if not yet done)

Design review

Preparation of financing application

Output / Results Projects prepared for financing

Milestone 4 Implementation of projects

Organisation resp. Inter-ministerial committee

Organisation inv. National authorities responsible for project implementation from Romania and Bulgaria, or other neighbouring interested countries

Timeframe 2020

Tasks The inter-ministerial committee will support the following tasks:

Procurement schedule

Preparation of tender dossier

Tendering and contracting

Contract management (incl. claims and variations)

Financial monitoring

Supervision

Take over, project closure

Output / Results Better conditions for navigation, modernized port infrastructure, intermodal transport, surrounding infrastructure and developed information systems


4 Annex – Thematic Overview

This chapter presents background information on the thematic action fields for the implementation of Priority Area 1a on inland waterways of the EUSDR. It includes the related actions and targets and a graphical overview on how to implement the different action fields in the coming years.

4.1 Waterway Infrastructure

Infrastructural bottlenecks have significant effects on how cost-effective inland navigation can operate and therefore have an adverse effect on the economic performance of waterway transport. Improving the existing waterway network in the Danube river basin will enable economic hinterland connections, resulting in economic growth and new jobs in the Danube region. Improvement of waterway infrastructure includes fairway parameters (depth, width, curve radius), bridges (height, width) and locks (length, width, height). This should include consideration of infrastructure for missing links, as well as how best to develop the onward links to the Black Sea and beyond.

In order to eliminate existing navigation bottlenecks on the Danube and its main navigable tributaries, work is ongoing to identify environmentally sustainable solutions for improved navigability. This should also take into account likely impacts of climate change, the preservation of functioning ecosystems and planning guidelines contained in the “Joint Statement on the Development of Inland Navigation and Environmental Protection in the Danube River Basin” (2008) and in the "PLATINA Manual on Good Practices in Sustainable Waterway Planning" (2010).

4.1.1 Actions defined in Action Plan

The following actions for implementing the Road Map on Waterway Infrastructure are specified in the Action Plan (SEC(2010) 1489 final) accompanying the Communication of the European Commission on the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (COM(2010) 715 final) of 8.12.2010. This is supplemented with a short description of the key tasks and examples of projects identified for the action in the Action Plan.

► To complete the implementation of TEN-T Priority Project 18 on time and in an environmentally sustainable way

o Key tasks: remove existing navigability bottlenecks; use environmentally sustainable solutions; take into account likely impacts of climate change, the preservation of functioning ecosystems and the Joint Statement's planning guidelines

o Example of project: none

► To invest in waterway infrastructure of the Danube and its tributaries and develop the interconnections

o Key tasks: improve waterway network in order to enable hinterland connections; consider infrastructure for missing links and the development of onward links to the Black Sea and beyond

o Example of project: "To remove shipwrecks, bridges debris and unexploded weapons from the riverbed of the Danube (lower Danube, especially in low water periods)"

o Example of project: "To build the Danube–Bucharest Canal"

4.1.2 Relevant targets

The European Commission's Communication on the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (COM(2010) 715 final) of 8.12.2010 includes three exemplary targets which are relevant for the


implementation of Priority Area 1a on Inland Waterways of the EUSDR. The Priority Area Coordinators together with the Members of the Steering Group altered and expanded these targets to five, of which the following are applicable for implementing the Road Map on Waterway Infrastructure.

► Solve obstacles to navigability, taking into account the specific characteristics of each section of the Danube and its navigable tributaries and establish effective waterway infrastructure management by 2015.

► Increase the cargo transport on the river by 20% by 2020 compared to 2010.


4.1.3 Overview: Waterway Infrastructure


4.2 Waterway Management

National waterway management bodies are responsible for the continuous maintenance of the waterway infrastructure (e.g. surveying and dredging activities), as well often for implementation of flood protection and ecological measures (e.g. required by the EU Water Framework Directive).

These bodies shall continue further to intensify their cooperation, in particular by creating common standards for waterway management in the Danube basin. This is also in line with the “Danube River Basin Management Plan 2009” which has defined a “Joint Programme of Measures” to be implemented by the Danube region countries.


The following action for implementing the Road Map on Waterway Management is specified in the Action Plan (SEC(2010) 1489 final) accompanying the Communication of the European Commission on the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (COM(2010) 715 final) of 8.12.2010. This is supplemented with a short description of the key tasks and examples of projects identified for the action in the Action Plan.

► To improve comprehensive waterway management of the Danube and its Tributaries

o Key tasks: improve management with regard to waterway maintenance (surveying, dredging), flood protection and ecological measures; create common standards for waterway management in the Danube basin; continue and intensify the cooperation of national waterway management bodies

o Example of project: "To build on the network of Danube Waterway Administrations (NEWADA) project"


The European Commission's Communication on the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (COM(2010) 715 final) of 8.12.2010 includes three exemplary targets which are relevant for the implementation of Priority Area 1a on Inland Waterways of the EUSDR. The Priority Area Coordinators together with the Members of the Steering Group altered and expanded these targets to five, of which the following are applicable for implementing the Road Map on Waterway Management.

► Solve obstacles to navigability, taking into account the specific characteristics of each section of the Danube and its navigable tributaries and establish effective waterway infrastructure management by 2015.



4.2.3 Overview: Waterway Management


4.3 Ports & Sustainable Freight Transport

In order to increase the opportunities to bundle cargo flows for inland waterway transport and reduce negative transport externalities elsewhere, a coordinated and harmonised development concept for multimodal ports should be elaborated by Danube river basin countries and relevant stakeholders. As a basis for this activity, national port development plans shall be elaborated or reviewed with a view to their integration into local and regional development strategies.

An intermodal interface should be established between Danube inland waterway freight transport and railway freight transport to strengthen existing economic ties and foster cohesion in the region. The project would help increase the multimodal freight transport and lead to more evenly and efficiently spread traffic across the existing infrastructure.


The following actions for implementing the Road Map on Ports & Sustainable Freight Transport are specified in the Action Plan (SEC(2010) 1489 final) accompanying the Communication of the European Commission on the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (COM(2010) 715 final) of 8.12.2010. This is supplemented with a short description of the key tasks and examples of projects identified for the action in the Action Plan.

► To develop ports in the Danube river basin into multimodal logistics centres

o Key tasks: draft coordinated and harmonised development concept for multimodal ports; involve Danube countries and relevant stakeholders; elaborate or review national port development plans for integration into local and regional development strategies


► To promote sustainable freight transport in the Danube Region

o Key tasks: establish intermodal interfaces (ports) especially between inland navigation and railway freight transport, thus helping increase multimodal freight transport

o Example of project: "To develop container transport on the Danube"

o Example of project: "To create an approach and a web platform to provide complete real-time information concerning Danube navigation and connections with all modes of transport"


The European Commission's Communication on the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (COM(2010) 715 final) of 8.12.2010 includes three exemplary targets which are relevant for the implementation of Priority Area 1a on Inland Waterways of the EUSDR. The Priority Area Coordinators together with the Members of the Steering Group altered and expanded these targets to five, of which the following are applicable for implementing the Road Map on Ports & Sustainable Freight Transport.

► Develop efficient multimodal terminals at river ports along the Danube and its navigable tributaries to connect inland waterways with rail and road transport by 2020.



4.3.3 Overview: Ports & Sustainable Freight Transport


4.4 Fleet Modernisation

Environmental and economic performance of Danube navigation can be improved by means of innovation, dedicated fleet modernisation and optimised waste management measures. For this purpose, a common approach for the modernisation of inland vessels should be established. Technological developments in terms of innovative vessels, engines and optimised fuel consumption (e.g.: retrofitting with particle filter, using low emission fuel, using onshore power while docking, LNG) and logistics operations can make inland navigation more attractive giving it extra advantages.


The following action for implementing the Road Map on Fleet Modernisation is specified in the Action Plan (SEC(2010) 1489 final) accompanying the Communication of the European Commission on the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (COM(2010) 715 final) of 8.12.2010. This is supplemented with a short description of the key tasks and examples of projects identified for the action in the Action Plan.

► To modernise the Danube fleet in order to improve environmental and economic performance

o Key tasks: improve environmental and economic performance of Danube navigation via innovation (vessels, engines, alternative fuels), fleet modernisation (incl. retrofitting), waste management and logistics operations; establish common approach for the modernisation of vessels

o Example of project: "To build on the WAste management for inland Navigation on the DAnube (WANDA) project"


The European Commission's Communication on the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (COM(2010) 715 final) of 8.12.2010 includes three exemplary targets which are relevant for the implementation of Priority Area 1a on Inland Waterways of the EUSDR. The Priority Area Coordinators together with the Members of the Steering Group altered and expanded these targets to five, of which the following is applicable for implementing the Road Map on Fleet Modernisation.



4.4.3 Overview. Fleet Modernisation


4.5 River Information Services

River Information Services (RIS) contribute substantially to increasing the safety, efficiency and environmental-friendliness of inland navigation. By developing services for transport management and integrating RIS in e-initiatives, shipping operators, ports and logistics service providers can optimise their logistics operations, thus reducing overall transport costs. The full potential of RIS can however only be realised if they are implemented along the entire Danube and its main navigable tributaries and canals.

As part of waterway infrastructure along the Rhine-Main-Danube axis, which features as Priority Project 18 in the Trans-European Transport Network, projects for the implementation of RIS are also funded within TEN-T, Cohesion Funds and the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA).


The following actions for implementing the Road Map on River Information Services are specified in the Action Plan (SEC(2010) 1489 final) accompanying the Communication of the European Commission on the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (COM(2010) 715 final) of 8.12.2010. This is supplemented with a short description of the key tasks and examples of projects identified for the action in the Action Plan.

► To implement harmonised River Information Services (RIS)

o Key tasks: implement River Information Services along the entire Danube and on its main navigable tributaries and canals

o Example of project: "To build on the IRIS Europe projects – support the co-ordinated implementation of River Information Services (RIS) in Europe"

► To complete the implementation of TEN-T Priority Project 18 on time and in an environmentally sustainable way

o Key tasks: remove existing navigability bottlenecks; use environmentally sustainable solutions; take into account likely impacts of climate change, the preservation of functioning ecosystems and the Joint Statement's planning guidelines



The European Commission's Communication on the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (COM(2010) 715 final) of 8.12.2010 includes three exemplary targets which are relevant for the implementation of Priority Area 1a on Inland Waterways of the EUSDR. The Priority Area Coordinators together with the Members of the Steering Group altered and expanded these targets to five, of which the following are applicable for implementing the Road Map on River Information Services.

► Implement harmonised River Information Services (RIS) on the Danube and its navigable tributaries and ensure the international exchange of RIS data preferably by 2015.



4.5.3 Overview: River Information Services


4.6 Education & Jobs

Danube navigation is currently experiencing a shortage of nautical personnel, which is also caused by limited training and education opportunities in the Danube countries. Existing education institutions use different curricula. In order to facilitate labour availability and mobility at the European level, common education and training profiles should be pursued. Within this framework, the Danube countries should attract and educate young people for the profession of Danube crewman. Companies involved in inland waterways transport (ports, shipping companies, customers, etc.) and educational and research bodies should establish educational platforms and networks to increase competitiveness and competence of all actors.


The following action for implementing the Road Map on Education & Jobs is specified in the Action Plan (SEC(2010) 1489 final) accompanying the Communication of the European Commission on the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (COM(2010) 715 final) of 8.12.2010. This is supplemented with a short description of the key tasks and examples of projects identified for the action in the Action Plan.

► To invest in education and jobs in the Danube navigation sector

o Key tasks: attract and educate young people for the profession of Danube crewman; extend training and education opportunities in the Danube countries; create common education and training profiles; establish educational platforms and networks

o Example of project: "To establish cooperation networks for logistics and nautical education focusing on Inland Waterway Transport in the Danube corridor supported by innovative solutions (NELI)"


The European Commission's Communication on the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (COM(2010) 715 final) of 8.12.2010 includes three exemplary targets which are relevant for the implementation of Priority Area 1a on Inland Waterways of the EUSDR. The Priority Area Coordinators together with the Members of the Steering Group altered and expanded these targets to five, of which the following are applicable for implementing the Road Map on Education and Jobs.

► Solve the shortage of qualified personnel and harmonise education standards in inland navigation in the Danube region by 2020, taking duly into account the social dimension of the respective measures.




4.6.3 Overview: Education & Jobs

EU Strategy for the Danube Region · Commission Staff Working Document: Action Plan Accompanying...

Documents

Transcript of EU Strategy for the Danube Region · Commission Staff Working Document: Action Plan Accompanying...