Inland waterway transport: River Traffic Information Services RIS for safety, security and efficiency of inland navigation

Pending adoption by the European Parliament at first reading, the Council agreed on a general approach on the proposal for a Directive on harmonised River Information Services (RIS) on inland waterways in the Community.

The Commission will have the task of defining technical guidelines and technical specifications for ensuring the implementation and interoperability of the River Information Services. The Council introduced three main modifications into the original Commission's proposal. Firstly, more account is taken of work done by international organisations in the field of inland navigation. Secondly, the scope of the Directive has been made more precise, excluding small waterways and waterways that have no connection with a waterway of another Member State. Finally, the use of satellite positioning is recommended but not compulsory.