On 14 October, the Committees on Security and Defence (SEDE) and on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) held a joint debate on the European Parliament’s draft report on Military Mobility. Rapporteurs Petras Auštrevičius (Renew, LT) and Roberts Zīle (ECR, LV) presented a high-quality text which recognises the crucial role of ports as strategic assets for Europe’s preparedness and resilience. The final vote on compromise amendments is scheduled for 2 December.
The discussion comes at a time of deteriorating security on the EU’s eastern flank, once again demonstrating the importance of strengthening military mobility corridors and ensuring ports are ready to support urgent defence needs while continuing to serve civilian supply chains.
FEPORT welcomes the constructive debate in the European Parliament and reiterates that:
- Ports are indispensable nodes in military mobility and must be integrated into dual-use infrastructure planning;
- Dedicated Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding for maritime ports is essential to enable necessary investments;
- A structured dialogue between ports and military authorities is needed to ensure timely consultation and operational readiness;
- Business continuity must be safeguarded so that military requirements do not compromise ports’ commercial and civilian roles;
- Ports must be protected against physical, hybrid and cyber threats, as highlighted by recent attacks on transport infrastructure.
For FEPORT members, the Parliament’s work confirms that Europe’s ports are not only gateways for trade and energy but also strategic enablers of resilience and security. FEPORT stands ready to cooperate with EU institutions, Member States and NATO partners to translate the Military Mobility initiative from concept into effective implementation.
