Press Release
Ports Regulation, a good instrument if well implemented and part of a consistent framework!
Brussels, December 15th, 2016
Yesterday, the European Parliament finalized the three years parliamentarian legislative process concerning the Port Services Regulation, also known now as Ports Regulation.
This adoption is the result of a lot of involvement and dedication from the Rapporteur, Knut Fleckenstein, and his team who have adopted a real consultative approach and multiplied efforts to discuss with all stakeholders to reach a good compromise. Yesterday’s achievement is also a positive outcome of the work that has also involved the representatives of DG MOVE and the negotiators of the Council of Transport Ministers, in particular during the Italian and Dutch Presidencies, who have dedicated time and energy to improve the text.
Last but not least, contrary to what was expected by many observers, European organizations representing port stakeholders have been constructive and the majority of them has even called for a vote “en bloc” in the European Parliament plenary some months ago.
Such a mobilization is not a coincidence. It shows that when key stakeholders are consulted in a meaningful manner, and when a text seeks to clarify and improve applicable rules in and by ports, it is possible to build cross sectoral support.
“The adoption of the Ports Regulation in Parliament is an important step, but for the 1200 companies that FEPORT represents, the text has given birth to high expectations about transparency and consultation.” says Lamia Kerdjoudj-Belkaid, FEPORT Secretary General.
“We hope that Member States will guarantee a proper implementation of the rules about transparency and consultation of private investors in ports. Those rules are, from our point of view, good instruments to ensure a level playing field, to prevent risks of distortion of competition and to avoid unsustainable investments in ports” continues FEPORT Secretary General.
“It is also crucial that the ongoing second procedure of consultation about the Global Block Exemption Regulation does not lead to the adoption of a text which contradicts the spirit and some key definitions that have been agreed upon in the framework of the long and exhaustive discussions about the Ports Regulation. Consistency between rules applicable to ports will be crucial.” concludes FEPORT Secretary General.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Lamia Kerdjoudj-Belkaid, Secretary General of FEPORT
E:
T: +32 2 736 75 52
FEPORT Press Release - Adoption in EP of the Ports Regulation