Published on 18 August 2026

The CCNR and international law for Switzerland

The CCNR is considered an established example of regional multilateral cooperation based on international law.

The CCNR is considered an established example of regional multilateral cooperation based on international law. — © The Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR)

The Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR) is based on international treaties, first and foremost the Mannheim Convention of 1868, which was revised in 1952. These agreements are legally binding on all member states, including Switzerland, which means Switzerland is obliged to implement the rules on its territory. A central principle of the Mannheim Convention under international law is the legal right to freedom of navigation. This guarantees the member states the right to navigate the Rhine as far as the sea unhindered and without discriminatory restrictions. To ensure that this principle works in practice, the CCNR's regulations create standardised, binding rules that apply equally in each member state.

As a member state, Switzerland has an equal say in the drafting and further development of these rules. These relate in particular to the following:

• the rules of navigation,
• technical ship safety regulations,
• crew-related regulations,
• the transport of dangerous goods, and
• infrastructure along the Rhine.

The CCNR also monitors compliance with these regulations and ensures consistent implementation in all member states. In assuming the presidency of the CCNR, Switzerland will be actively involved in the further development of the international legal framework for European inland navigation, thereby making a decisive contribution to the strengthening and further development of international law in Europe.

The CCNR is regarded as a well-established example of regional multilateral cooperation based on international law. It operates within the scope of its powers as defined by international law, particularly in areas where international coordination is required and its mandate provides for such responsibilities. At the same time, the organisation is characterised by its efficient working methods: as a small, specialised institution with five member states – Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland – it benefits from short decision-making processes, close technical cooperation and clearly structured coordination procedures. As all member states make extensive use of the Rhine for trade and transport, there are also strong shared interests. This fosters constructive cooperation and facilitates the development of pragmatic, consensus-based solutions.