MaasRhine

MaasRhine is a proposed cross-border river corridor concept in Northwestern Europe that envisions closer integration of the Meuse (Maas) and Rhine river basins through coordinated water management, transport, and regional development. The term combines the names of the Maas and Rhine rivers to reflect a shared geography and potential economic synergies across multiple jurisdictions.

Geography and scope: The concept touches parts of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, including sections of the Meuse corridor in Limburg and Liège, and Rhine-related corridors in North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. It emphasizes linking inland shipping routes with major river ports such as Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Duisburg.

History and planning context: MaasRhine appears in regional planning discussions and cross-border studies focusing on delta management, flood protection, biodiversity, and logistic integration. It is not an official political entity or treaty, but a framework used by planners to assess joint investments and governance options under EU water policy.

Objectives and potential benefits: The aim is to improve flood resilience, optimize multi-modal transport (barge, rail, road), support sustainable economic development, and enhance cross-border cooperation. Potential projects include floodplain reactivation, river widening or dredging, integrated port-logistics hubs, and coordinated environmental conservation.

Governance and status: Cross-border governance would likely involve existing bodies such as river commissions and intergovernmental agreements with participation by the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, leveraging EU instruments for transboundary river management. MaasRhine remains a concept and not a formal organization.