Answer:
Waterways have played a significant role in the economic development of Europe. They provide an efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation for goods and people, supporting tourism and recreational activities.
The improvements in transportation infrastructure, such as canals, made these regions attractive to industries that were not necessarily dependent on coal, prompting development in adjacent regions1.
Inland waterway transport (IWT) is one of the most CO2-efficient transport modes per tonne of goods carried, using only 17% of the energy needed by often-congested road transport and 50% of rail transport. This sector already plays an important economic role in transporting both goods and passengers in Europe.
After World War II, the growth of transport by inland waterways in Europe resulted in an enlarged and integrated network brought up to a minimum common standard for craft of 1,350 tons. The Rhine, the Moselle, and their tributaries dominate the German system and provide outlets for the Dutch and Belgian systems and connect with the French network.
In conclusion, waterways have been instrumental in shaping Europe’s economy by providing efficient transportation, promoting industrial development, and supporting environmentally friendly practices.
Step-by-step explanation: