Minister Ebling Urges Faster Rhine Deepening Amid Low Water Crisis

Rhineland-Palatinate's Economy Minister Michael Ebling is demanding accelerated efforts to deepen the Rhine River. Speaking before a conference on low water levels in Bonn, the SPD politician stressed the urgency for businesses, citizens, and the region's competitiveness.

"We need speed – for our companies, for our citizens, and for the competitiveness of our location," Ebling stated, linking the issue to climate change. He also called for the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration to be adequately staffed and funded. "It is really high time!" he urged, noting that "we will certainly not experience the last low water this year."

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We need speed - for our companies, for our citizens, and for the competitiveness of our location.

Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger (CDU) is hosting the conference to address the historical low water levels on the Rhine. Ebling acknowledged Bilger's recognition of the situation's seriousness but reiterated the need for greater speed. Rhineland-Palatinate, along with neighboring states Hesse, Baden-Württemberg, and North Rhine-Westphalia, has long advocated for faster implementation of the so-called "draft optimization" or Rhine deepening project.

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It is really high time!