29/05/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 29 May, the European Commission endorsed the prolongation of two French schemes to support goods transport by river in 2018-2022. The first measure, with a budget of €6.2 million, aims to encourage the fleet to adjust to transporters’ logistical needs, make the profession of transporter more attractive and ensure renewal of its players. The second, with a provisional budget established at €20 million, aims to encourage transfer to river goods transport by cutting the costs of the logistical chain that includes river transport. Both measures take the form of subsidies granted to operators in the sector. The European Commission feels they are compatible with the EU's state aid rules and will allow a sustainable promotion of river transport and therefore gave them the go-ahead. (LT)