Ports are gateways for European trade, but their scale, complexity and international connections also make them attractive targets for organised criminal networks. Protecting them requires cooperation extending well beyond the port perimeter.
On 16 July, the Irish Presidency of the Council and European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner hosted the third Ministerial Meeting of the European Ports Alliance Public-Private Partnership in Dublin. As a member of the Partnership, FEPORT was invited to the meeting alongside representatives of public authorities, ports, industry associations and EU agencies.
The meeting took stock of the progress achieved by the Alliance and examined the evolving methods used by criminal networks to infiltrate ports and logistics chains. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between public authorities and private stakeholders and developing a better understanding of the threats faced by European ports.
The Alliance now brings together 28 countries, more than 50 seaports and inland ports, European industry associations, EU institutions and agencies, customs authorities and law-enforcement bodies. Its work supports the EU’s broader response to organised crime and drug trafficking under the ProtectEU Strategy and the EU Ports Strategy.
A visit to Dublin Port also included a demonstration by An Garda Síochána and the Irish Revenue Commissioners of the tools and methods used to detect and combat drug trafficking.
Private port operators possess valuable operational knowledge and can contribute to identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening port resilience.
Security remains a shared responsibility. Measures introduced at European or national level must be proportionate, operationally workable and accompanied by adequate public investment in customs, policing, technology and port security. Responsibilities must also remain clearly defined.
