North Sea Port, Amsterdam, Groningen Seaports, Moerdijk and Rotterdam have urged EU policymakers to translate the European Ports Strategy into practical, adequately funded measures.
Presenting their joint position paper, Full Steam Ahead, in Brussels on 29 September, the five port authorities identified three priorities: investment certainty, clear responsibilities for strategic port infrastructure and stronger cross-border cooperation.
The ports say predictable regulation and financing are essential for investment in quays, energy infrastructure and hinterland connections. They also want clarity on who should develop, secure and fund infrastructure serving both civilian and military needs.
The group argues that European funding and rules must reflect transport and industrial networks that cross national borders. New security requirements should strengthen resilience without unnecessarily delaying investment.
Isabelle Ryckbost, Secretary General of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO), summed up the message at the close of the meeting: “Investing in ports is investing in Europe.”
