May 30, 2025
- The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) welcomes the results of the first EU–UK Summit, held on 19 May in London, as a key step towards restoring stronger trade relations.
- ESPO applauds plans to ease controls on animals, plants, and related products, viewing this as a boost for agri-food trade and food security.
- The organisation supports aligning the EU and UK Emissions Trading Systems but stresses the need for coordination with IMO’s global efforts to avoid market distortion in maritime transport.
- Enhanced cooperation on maritime safety and security is welcomed, including collaboration on the ISPS Code, cybersecurity, and responses to shadow fleet activity.
- ESPO calls for rapid implementation to deliver legal certainty, rebuild trust, and enable deeper EU–UK cooperation.
- The ESPO Statement can be read here.