Industry welcome Brussels port strategy

But to fulfil this key logistical role and remain competitive, European ports require a large amount of public and private investment, says the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO).

“This report gathers a lot of important messages which clearly explains the comprehensive and increasingly important and strategic role of ports,” said Isabelle Ryckbost, ESPO Secretary General.

“We also read a clear understanding for the challenges ports in Europe are facing and their needs when it comes to investments.

“We believe that taking stock of all the legislation that has been agreed upon over the last years and focusing on and supporting its implementation is the best strategy forward.”

ESPO welcomes efforts by the European Union aimed at strengthening the resilience and protection of Europe’s critical infrastructures such as ports, particularly in obliging member states to implement a foreign direct investment screening system and carry out screenings in a more consistent way.

Since 2017, ports in Europe have been working with many new European legislative initiatives, says ESPO.

“It is now important to see that these rules are being adequately implemented, and properly assessed before launching reviews and taking additional measures,” it said.