European research projects like INCARNATION, INDRIS, COMPRIS and ALSO Danube, develop the RIS concept. The first steps towards harmonization of processes and definition of RIS standards are taken.
The European Union officially defines the concept of River Information Services (RIS) to improve the reliability and availability of inland navigation.
EC White Paper “Transport Policy for 2010: time to decide”, supports the development of RIS. The Declaration of European Ministers of Transport (CEMT), September Rotterdam calls for the implementation of a pan-European River Information Services by the year 2005.
The International Association for Navigation (PIANC) establishes RIS Guidelines
The PIANC RIS Guidelines 2002 are updated and adopted by the Central Commission for the Navigation on the Rhine in (March).
The European Council and Parliament adopt the RIS Framework Directive of the European Union (2005/44/EC),
The European Commission adopts the RIS guidelines, in order to ensure the interoperability of the RIS services.The development of RIS is also recognized and fostered by various River Commissions.