Since the structural
reorganisation carried out in the 1990s and the integration that has
marked this market, waterways transport has developed very considerably,
involving the various segments of the market, its integration in logistics
chains, its scale in geographical terms, and for the fleet technology
and productivity.
As a result, this mode of transport now seems to be reaching the limits
imposed on it by the restrictions that are being felt in the employment
market.
This round-table discussion should make it possible to identify a common
denominator for all the parties concerned as to the priority and the
scale of the various issues, with a view to promoting a more dynamic
employment market, and the ways in which they may be approached.
Apart from the
public administrations of the Central Commission's Member States, Observer
States and the international organisations, the invitation to take part
in this round-table discussion is being extended to organisations of
the social partners and to vocational training and education establishments
in the inland waterways transport sector.