Ports demand stronger EU funding
A coalition of 45 European transport organisations is calling on national governments to significantly boost EU funding for infrastructure, warning that ports and wider transport networks risk falling behind without stronger financial backing.
In an open letter ahead of discussions on the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the groups urge member states to increase the budget of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to at least €100 billion.
The appeal comes as ministers prepare to meet at the General Affairs Council to debate the future EU budget.
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Ports are central to the call, positioned as critical gateways for trade, military mobility and energy security. The organisations argue that without modern, resilient port and hinterland infrastructure, Europe’s ambitions on competitiveness, supply chain sovereignty and climate transition will be undermined.
European Sea Ports Organisation Secretary General Isabelle Ryckbost said the sector has repeatedly warned about chronic underinvestment.
“Europe’s transport sector keeps sounding the alarm,” she said.
“We need more, better and resilient transport infrastructure and connectivity to make Europe more competitive and secure.
“Now is the time for the national governments to agree on a robust budget for the transport sector under the future EU budget.”
She stressed that ports stand ready to deliver on decarbonisation, energy transition and security objectives but require predictable EU co-financing to unlock large-scale projects.
“As gateways to the world and crucial pillars of Europe’s economic, geopolitical and climate resilience, Europe’s ports are ready to play their part and commit, but they need Europe to support them in their investments,” she added.
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