On November 17th, FEPORT attended the 3rd European Maritime Space Forum which was held at the Borschette Conference Center in Brussels. The event included updates about the EMS framework as well as an interactive session on the new EMS Work Plan where stakeholders could provide their feedback.
Mr. Martin Seidel, Advisor to the EMS Coordinator, provided an update on military mobility such as the upcoming package as well as roadmaps, white papers and action plans that the Commission adopted between 2018-2025. EU policy seeks to stimulate investments, such as by adding a dedicated military mobility envelope to CEF, while reducing regulatory burdens.
Mr. Jorgen Bjerre, Deputy Head of Unit at DG MOVE D3 (Ports and Inland Navigation) provided an update on the upcoming EU Ports Strategy, which is expected to be unveiled in mid-February 2026. Aims of the strategy include updating State aid rules to cater for the high investments needs in ports while balancing the need for openness with the need for strategic autonomy.
The Commission also provided an update on the Sustainable Transport Investment plan, which should stimulate the EU’s capacity to produce and supply Sustainable Maritime Fuels (SMF) and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) to aviation and shipping, thereby supporting these sectors in meeting the targets spelled out in FuelEU Maritime and ReFuelEU Aviation.
During the interactive discussion, representatives from Member States and trade associations touched upon topics such as the simplification of taxonomy reporting, the electrification of ports and ports’ connectivity to hinterland transport modes such as rail.
FEPORT’s contributions focussed on the need to enhance the resilience of port ecosystems through targeted measures to strengthen cybersecurity, energy resilience while supporting the adaptation of port infrastructure to increasing climate risks. Furthermore, FEPORT called for dedicating funds to the rollout of onshore power supply in ports and the greening of terminal equipment as the challenges to decarbonise ports and terminals while maintaining their competitiveness are urgent.
