The Danube Commission hosted the 3rd GRENDEL Public Consultation to discuss the impact of COVID-19 and possible recovery actions for Danube IWT

On 30 September 2020, the Danube Commission organized the 3rd GRENDEL Public Consultation, held as a video conference, to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on freight and passenger transport on the Danube and its navigable tributaries with public and private stakeholders and relevant services of the European Commission and to consider possible recovery actions.
Chaired by Manfred Seitz, Director General of the Danube Commission Secretariat, the online dialogue covered the key issues, such as strategies and actions for recovery in the regulatory framework, economic analysis and perspectives of major industries in the Danube region, including barging companies, situation and perspectives of Danube sea and river ports.
The panel provided a forum within experts interacted on the challenges as regards to fleet and ports operation, infrastructure maintenance, job protection and education, new projects and initiatives in times of the COVID-19 crisis.
Particular emphasis was placed on the financial solutions available within the framework of EU funds, including the GRENDEL Model State Aid Scheme as an excellent instrument for fleet modernization and the Recovery and Resilience Fund to support measures for the inland waterway sector.

The presentations of the keynote speakers are shared below: