The EBU Annual Report provides an overview of the key developments, activities and priorities that shaped European inland waterway transport over the past year. It highlights EBU’s work on competitiveness, sustainable transport, infrastructure, innovation and the social agenda, as well as the main policy developments influencing the sector. 

On 13 April 2026, the EBU Board appointed Lijdia Pater-de Groot as the new Secretary General from December 2026. In close collaboration with strategic advisor Frouwke de Vries, she will help guide EBU’s representation of the European inland shipping sector in the years ahead.

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.