UNUnited Nations Economic Commission for Europe

Press Releases 1997

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Ten countries sign UN/ECE agreement on European inland waterway network

24 June 1997

On 23 June 1997 in Helsinki Ministers of Transport of Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Moldova, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia and Switzerland signed a European Agreement on Main Inland Waterways of International Importance (AGN) aimed at the development in Europe of a coherent inland waterway network. Luxembourg had signed it earlier this year.

This legal instrument establishes the internationally agreed European network of inland waterways and ports as well as the uniform infrastructure and operational parameters to which they should conform. The geographical scope of the network of E waterways consisting of navigable rivers, canals and coastal routes extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Ural mountains connecting 37 countries and reaching beyond the European region.

By acceding to the AGN, Governments will commit themselves to the development and construction of their inland waterways and ports of international importance in accordance with the uniform conditions agreed upon and within the relevant investment programmes.

The preamble of the Agreement underlines the importance of inland water transport, which in comparison with other modes of inland transport has economical and ecological advantages as it may reduce social costs and negative impacts on the environment by inland transport as a whole.

In view of the increasing congestion, particularly on the main European corridors, the AGN provides Europe with an efficient and homogeneous inland waterway network, suitable for standard vessels, barges, pushed convoys and in some cases sea-river vessels. For the first time, standard dimensions for all vessels are spelled out in an instrument of a binding character. By fulfilling the objectives of AGN, the share of economical and ecologically sound transport in total tonnage of cargoes moved internationally will be increased and economic cooperation between UN/ECE member countries enhanced.

The AGN, agreed upon by European Governments in the framework of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN/ECE) complements the set of already existing European Agreements establishing the road (AGR), rail (AGC) and combined transport (AGTC) networks.

The AGN Agreement will remain open for signature at the Office of the United Nations in Geneva until 30 September 1997. It is also open for accession by UN/ECE member States.