The aim of the conference is to give an impetus to inland navigation and to position it more strongly in the framework of a pan-European transport strategy. The basis for discussion is the EU Commission's "Naiades“ strategy. By improving framework conditions, modernising fleets and upgrading infrastructure, the EU intends to increase the attractiveness of international inland navigation and to make better use of existing capacities.

The international Rhine navigation is an important transport route for Switzerland. Every year about 9 million tonnes of goods are handled in the Rhine ports in Basel. 15% of all goods and 35% of fuel enters Switzerland via the Rhine. As an element in the development of sustainable mobility in Europe, inland shipping can play an important role in reducing pressure on other forms of transport, especially roads. In this respect it fits well into Switzerlands efforts to redistribute traffic away from roads.

As of 1 January 2006, Switzerland is holding the two-year presidency of the Central Commission for Rhine Navigation (CCR). Together with the four other riparian states, namely Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, Switzerland pursues its interests in navigation in this body. The Mannheim Act on which the CCR is based guarantees Switzerland free access to the sea, which is essential for the country's suppliy of goods and its economy. Switzerland is convinced that the CCR can play an important role in the context of a stronger European inland navigation policy.

The Swiss delegation will be headed by Ambassador Paul Seger, head of the Directorate of International Law in the DFA and currently president of the CCR. The delegation will consist of representatives from the DFA, the Federal Office of Transport and representatives of the inland shipping industry.

Switzerland to take part in European Inland Shipping Conference in Vienna from 13 to 15 February 2006