On 2 December 2025, the European Barge Union will host a high-level event in Brussels to discuss the role of inland waterway transport in the EU’s competitiveness, sustainability, and the future European tourism model. The keynote speeches will be delivered by Matthieu Blanc (President of EBU and CEO of Sogestran/CFT), Apostolos Tzitzikostas (Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism), Robert Tieman (Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands), and Tom Berendsen (Member of the European Parliament, TRAN Committee). The event will also include two panel sessions and a networking cocktail. 

The Inland Waterway & Ports sector calls upon the Commission to include and back inland waterway transport in the upcoming European Maritime/Waterborne Industrial Strategy, the European Port Strategy and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan.

“Inland waterway transport is already a frontrunner in sustainability, and the sector stands ready to accelerate its transition to zero emissions. Support from the Commission in the forthcoming EU strategies and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan will be crucial to scaling up its efforts and delivering an even greater impact”, Matthieu Blanc, President of EBU emphasises with the release of the sector’s statement.

43 European transport organisations are advocating for increased EU budget allocation towards clean transport. The transport sector is of strategic importance in responding to Europe’s environmental, geostrategic and capacity challenges. Only with a strong transport sector at its core will Europe be able to reach its climate and resilience goals and safeguard its supply chain sovereignty.