Serbia’s Inland Navigation Certificates Now Valid Across EU

The Danube Commission welcomes the decision of European Commission (2026/1179), to recognize across the EU the inland navigation certificates of qualification issued by Serbia.

For thousands of boatmasters and deck crew working on the Danube, this removes a practical barrier: a certificate earned in Serbia is now a passport to work anywhere on EU inland waterways, without extra paperwork or re-certification.

This step contributes to closer alignment of professional qualifications in the Danube region and encourages other non-EU Member States already on this path to continue their efforts.