Combined transport directive does not bring modal shift

04 September 2024

INE position on Commission proposal for combined transport directive

The modal shift can only be multimodal

Inland waterway transport (IWT) is one of the modes designated and able to absorb higher shares of freight volumes on the European waterways. It is part of the solution to meet the sustainability goals and to keep Europe moving. We therefore welcome the Commission’s new endeavour to revise the combined transport directive if it is instrumental to meet the European Green Deal goals for transport in Europe. However, due to the limited scope of the proposal, which excludes multimodal transport, its effect will be very limited and not be able to support a modal shift to inland waterways.

Read the full joint statement of INE, EBU, EFIP, ESO and the Inland Waterway Transport Platform