Member of the European Parliament Tom Berendsen, known for his focus on digital innovation in transport, has shared detailed insights on the recent unanimous agreement by the EU transport committee to modernize the River Information Services (RIS) Directive. This update aims to align inland waterway transport with contemporary digital standards, enhancing safety, efficiency, and cross-border integration across the European Union’s extensive inland waterway network.
The Brussels Morning Newspaper sought Mr. Berendsen’s expert views to deepen public understanding of this important legislative development. Among the key questions posed were the practical benefits of the new RIS agreement for stakeholders, how digitalization will improve safety measures, and the main negotiation challenges faced during the process.
Benefits of the updated RIS agreement
Regarding the most significant changes, Mr. Berendsen explained,
“The updated RIS Directive will align River Information Services with the current state of digitalization and allow for standards to be set accordingly. This means that skippers will be provided with up-to-date information and the transmission of information between national authorities can be executed smoother. All in all this will lead to better transport management, which in turn will facilitate cross-border Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) in the European Union.”
This reflects the EU’s broader strategy to boost inland waterway transport as a greener, more efficient alternative to road and rail, supported by more interoperable and harmonized digital tools.
Enhancing safety and efficiency through digital modernization
Asked about the role of digital river information in responding to calamities or urgent incidents, Berendsen highlighted the critical nature of real-time data:
“Complete and where possible real-time information will allow skippers to plan their routes and to adapt to changing circumstances. This allows them to spend their precious time as efficient as possible. This is particularly relevant when a calamity occurs. For the sooner a navigational restriction is communicated, the sooner skippers can respond, preventing long and costly delays.”
MEP Tom Berendsen highlighted on Facebook that reliable digital information through the RIS modernization will greatly enhance safety and efficiency for skippers and authorities. He also noted the unanimous committee agreement, with a full Parliament vote upcoming.
Such improvements will not only reduce downtime but also significantly enhance safety standards for river transport operators and authorities managing these vital waterways.
Negotiation challenges and consensus-building
On the often complex negotiations with Member States and the European Commission, Mr. Berendsen noted that the
“main challenge was the creation of a complaint or feedback mechanism, which Parliament wanted and Council did not want in its General Approach. During the negotiations, we were able to find a compromise that allows skippers and other relevant stakeholders to report any issues they may encounter easily and which helps authorities to address these issues swiftly and without creating additional red tape.”
He added,
“This pragmatic approach was shown on multiple topics, both in Parliament and between the institutions, allowing us to proceed swiftly.”
The agreement was reached following months of deliberations to balance regulatory effectiveness with minimizing administrative burdens.
This modernization of the RIS Directive marks a critical step in digitizing and integrating Europe’s inland waterway transport system. Covering over 13,000 kilometers across 13 Member States, the EU’s inland waterways are crucial for sustainable freight transport. The updated RIS is expected to come into force following final parliamentary approval, cementing a new era of safer, smarter, and more efficient waterborne logistics.
