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.