For the benefit of the Rhine and of all waters running into the Rhine, the members of the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine (ICPR) – Switzerland, France, Germany, Luxemburg, the Netherlands and the European Commission successfully co-operate with Austria, Liechtenstein and the Belgian region of Wallonia as well as Italy. Nine states and regions in the Rhine watershed closely co-operate in order to harmonize the many interests of use and protection in the Rhine area.

Dating back to the Congress of Vienna (1815), the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine is the oldest international organisation in modern history.

Its legal foundation is the Revised Convention for Navigation on the Rhine - referred to as the Mannheim Document - of 17 October 1868.

The Central Commission is an up-to-date international institution with an administration that enables it to address effectively all the issues concerning inland navigation.