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REPORT (COM(2024)0033 – C90014/2024 – 2024/0011(COD))

On the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2005/44/EC on harmonised river information services (RIS) on inland waterways in the Community

A-10-2025-0033

Committee on Transport and Tourism · Rapporteur: Tom Berendsen

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Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

Parliament's amended version of the proposed directive updating EU rules on harmonised river information services (RIS) for inland waterways. It focuses RIS on TEN-T waterways, allows voluntary extension, and adds cross-border cooperation. It requires a single RIS Platform per Member State, standardised interfaces with other transport modes and ports, and annual reporting on complaints. It also updates references to EU regulations and technical standards.

Committee position. The Committee on Transport and Tourism proposes to amend the Commission proposal, focusing RIS on cross-border TEN-T waterways, adding a single RIS Platform, and simplifying complaint handling.

Key points

  1. RIS should focus on TEN-T inland waterways, but Member States may voluntarily extend requirements to other waterways and cooperate cross-border.
  2. The ERDMS provides reference data and code lists for RIS; Member States must keep network data up to date without delay.
  3. Standardised interfaces must be established with other transport modes, port community systems, and smart inland waterway infrastructure, including for alternative fuel availability.
  4. Member States must create a single RIS Platform providing services and data, accessible to all users, with interfaces to other systems; third countries may contribute if they meet quality and cybersecurity standards.
  5. The Commission adopts implementing acts for the RIS Platform, including its interaction with ERDMS.
  6. The RAINWAT arrangement applies for AIS use; satellite positioning should use Galileo and EGNOS, and Earth observation data should use Copernicus.
  7. Member States must ensure effective, simple, accessible complaint procedures, building on existing structures where possible, and report annually to the Commission.
  8. Personal data may be processed only as necessary for RIS applications, with safeguards under EU data protection law.
  9. The Commission must report within three years on extending the directive to TEN-T waterways not covered by Article 2(1).
  10. Technical specifications must include cybersecurity and anonymised usage data collection for monitoring.
  11. The latest edition of ES-RIS adopted by CESNI applies as technical specifications.

Who is affected

  • Inland waterway transport operators and users benefit from a single RIS Platform and standardised interfaces.
  • Member States authorities must operate RIS Platforms, handle complaints, and report annually.
  • Third countries with connected waterways may contribute to and use the RIS Platform if they meet standards.
  • Inland ports must provide standardised interfaces for berth and alternative fuel availability.

Figures and deadlines

  • 75% of inland waterways operations includes international voyages.
  • Report to Parliament and Council within 3 years after entry into force.

Legal basis: Article 91(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union