Newsletter – June 2026

Private investment in ports more than ever crucial

On 11th June 2026, FEPORT members gathered in Constanța for the Summer General Assembly to discuss the implementation of the EU Ports Strategy and the role of ports in supporting Europe's energy transition, connectivity and economic resilience.

Members welcomed the recent Transport Council conclusions on the EU Ports Strategy, which reaffirm that European ports must remain attractive destinations for investment and that investment screening mechanisms should be risk-based, proportionate and non-discriminatory. These conclusions send a strong signal that attracting both public and private investment will be essential to strengthen Europe's port infrastructure and deliver on the ambitions of the Strategy.

The discussions highlighted that delivering the ambitions of the EU Ports Strategy will require substantial investment in port infrastructure, multimodal connectivity, digitalisation, electrification and access to reliable energy. In this regard, the visit to DP World's facilities in Constanța offered a tangible example of how private investment can strengthen supply chain resilience, improve regional connectivity and support the development of efficient logistics networks across Europe.

As the implementation of the Strategy is entering in its concrete phase, FEPORT believes that creating the right investment conditions will be essential. Enhancing predictability, improving the bankability of projects and providing greater legal certainty for public and private investments will help unlock the capital needed to modernise European ports and accelerate the energy transition. In this context, the ongoing revision of the General Block Exemption Regulation offers a timely opportunity to provide greater legal clarity for investors and facilitate investment in strategic port infrastructure.

FEPORT also welcomes the Transport Council's support for the Electrification Action Plan and the recognition, through the Grids Package, that electricity grid infrastructure and onshore power supply (OPS) installations in ports are considered to be of overriding public interest. These developments should help accelerate permitting procedures and facilitate investments in port electrification.

The increasing recognition by both the European Commission and the Council of the risk of traffic diversion to neighbouring non-EU transhipment ports resulting from the implementation of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is also a welcome step. As discussions on the forthcoming ETS review progress, FEPORT believes that a share of ETS revenues should be earmarked for investments in port decarbonisation, including battery-electric cargo handling equipment and shore-side electricity infrastructure.

FEPORT looks forward to continuing its constructive dialogue with the European Commission, the European Parliament and Member States to help ensure that Europe's ports remain attractive investment destinations and continue to serve as strategic clusters supporting the energy transition, connectivity and sustainable economic growth.

A Special Farewell

On behalf of FEPORT and its members, we would like to thank Marco for his valuable contribution to the sector and wish him every success, happiness and good health. We hope that retirement will bring him many opportunities to enjoy family, friends, travel and new experiences.

General Assembly

• 02-12-2026

FEPORT Ninth Stakeholders’ Conference – Residence Palace Brussels

• 03-12-2026

Environment, Safety & Security Committee

• 14-10-2026

Port Policy Committee

• 14-10-2026

Social Affairs Committee

• 06-10-2026

Customs & Logistics Committee

• 21-10-2026

European Parliament:

Plenary session:

• 06-09-07-2026 – Strasbourg

TRAN Committee Meetings

• 14-15-07-2026

SEDE Committee Meetings

• 14-15-07-2026

EMPL Committee Meetings

• 15-16-07-2026

ENVI Committee Meetings

• 13-14-07-2026

FEPORT Newsletter_June 2026