Strasbourg, 27/10/2006 (Agence Europe) - Adopting the report by Dutch Christian Democrat Corien Wortmann-Kool on 26 October at the plenary in Strasbourg by an overwhelming majority (464 to 5 with 2 abstentions), the European Parliament backed the suggestions outlined in the Naiades Programme unveiled by the European Commission to promote river and waterway transport. The EP invites the European Commission to appoint a European Coordinator for waterways before the end of the year to encourage the implementation of priority waterway transport projects under Trans-European Transport Networks (TENs). The EP also asked Member States and the Commission to earmark greater funding, at least 20%, to all waterways projects of common interest. It wants the Commission and Member States to improve access to funding for companies to remove financial and administrative obstacles to water transport and wants better use of electronic communications and one-stop shops. River information services to improve traffic management should be immediately implemented. In order to reduce ship and boat emissions, the EP wants the European Commission to unveil draft legislation as soon as possible to set tighter criteria for vessel fuel. It wants the Commission to unveil draft legislation next year to establish an EU innovation fund to allow new types of ship to be developed. To deal with staff recruitment problems, the EP wants harmonisation of crew requirements and piloting certificates and mutual recognition of qualifications. (dt)