In September, the Slovakian Authority announced the daily closure of the two locks in Gabcikovo from 28.09.2020 – 17.01.2021. Where the sector previously supported the granting of EU-funding for the innovation and modernisation of the Gabcikovo locks, this was an unacceptable announcement for our members.
We therefore are very pleased that the Slovakian Ministry of Transport was open to discuss the shortening and speed up of the works. After weekly monitoring sessions with the Ministry during the last 3 months this resulted in the finalization of the works by 18 December 2020 and a re-opening of one lock chamber one month earlier than foreseen. We express our thanks to the Slovakian Ministry as well as the European Commission, in particular INEA, for the open and transparent cooperation and will stay in close contact regarding the restoration works of the other parts of the lock. |
Theresia Hacksteiner and Leny van Toorenburg
10 December 2020