As the European Commission advances preparations for its forthcoming EU Ports Strategy, FEPORT has submitted a comprehensive response to the Call for Evidence, presenting key priorities to reinforce the competitiveness, resilience, and strategic relevance of EU ports.
European private port companies and terminal operators play a central role in enabling global trade, supporting the energy transition, and contributing to Europe’s defence and security objectives. In this context, FEPORT underlines that the EU Ports Strategy must provide more than a policy vision. It must be a pragmatic roadmap that delivers concrete tools for action.
One of the main proposals put forward is the creation of a dedicated EU State Aid Framework for Ports. Today’s fragmented and outdated rules hinder essential investments in digitalisation, decarbonisation, and dual-use infrastructure. FEPORT calls for a new framework that includes both a block exemption and sector-specific guidelines. This would bring legal certainty, level the playing field across the EU, and ensure alignment with the Union’s climate, transport, and security objectives.
Improved access to public and private financing is also essential. FEPORT urges more clarity and flexibility in EU funding programmes such as the Connecting Europe Facility and the Innovation Fund. It also stresses the importance of de-risking private investment and ensuring that terminal operators are not left to carry disproportionate costs linked to strategic infrastructure upgrades.
With regard to foreign direct investment, FEPORT supports the ongoing revision of the EU’s screening framework. However, it cautions against measures that would undermine Europe’s openness or reduce the attractiveness of EU ports. Any new framework must remain objective, transparent, and non-discriminatory.
On administrative simplification, FEPORT welcomes recent Commission initiatives but emphasises that future consultations must be based on concrete proposals. Real operational input from stakeholders should guide policymaking to avoid rules that are impractical or counterproductive.
FEPORT also proposes measures to strengthen the resilience and connectivity of EU ports. This includes targeted investment in infrastructure, digital tools, and skills, as well as better coordination between Member States to address regulatory and procedural bottlenecks. For security, FEPORT calls for the transformation of the European Ports Alliance into a formal public-private partnership against drug trafficking, and urges the creation of a European early-warning portal on cyber threats.
Finally, FEPORT highlights the essential role of terminal operators in enabling the green transition. To accelerate this shift, it calls for more funding for shore-side electricity, tax incentives for clean equipment, and clear rules on stakeholder responsibilities. It also urges the Commission to monitor closely the impact of new climate legislation on port competitiveness and to adopt effective anti-evasion measures if needed.
FEPORT remains committed to supporting a bold, forward-looking EU Ports Strategy that responds to the strategic challenges facing the sector and secures its contribution to Europe’s economic, environmental, and security goals.
