Expert Group Meeting of the Danube Commission

The session of the Expert Group on Ports and Port Operations of the Danube Commission was held on March 12 in Budapest and gathered more than 90 participants from Danube region countries and international organizations. The meeting was chaired by the Director of the Port Governance Agency, Vuk Perović.

Perović, opening the meeting, emphasized that the Expert Group serves as a platform for exchanging experiences and information regarding ports on the Danube. "The large turnout of participants shows that as a port community, we are ready to continuously improve and develop the Danube region. Chairing the group for the next two sessions indicates that the work of the Agency in regulating the port sector is recognized internationally," he noted.

The meeting discussed topics of strategic importance for the Danube region, including relevant policies and legal frameworks, "greening" port activities, digitization, and transnational cooperation.

During the first thematic session, the current legislation of the European Union in the field of inland waterway transport was presented, with a special focus on the European Commission's Green Inland Ports study, which is expected to provide solutions for sustainable port management.

As part of the block dedicated to climate change and energy transition, participants of the meeting were able to familiarize themselves with the progress of projects in this area.

Additionally, proposals for the introduction of alternative fuels on the Danube were presented. The head of the Center for Port Activities, Srđa Lješević, presented the Agency's "Green Ports" project, which aims to introduce green energy into Serbian ports and terminals.

Regarding digitization, examples of best practices from ports in Switzerland and Portugal were discussed. It was concluded that establishing a Port Community System (PCS) is a significant step towards the sustainability of port operations.

Events planned until the end of the year were also announced, including the promotion of projects and initiatives such as the Danube Business Talks and Danube Ports Days, as well as various workshops and thematic gatherings.

Participants of the meeting agreed that continuous coordination and intensive cooperation among institutions in the Danube region contribute to strengthening ports and their sustainability.

The next meeting of the Expert Group, which will also be chaired by the Agency, is scheduled for March 26, 2025.