Seaport Terminals’ contribution to Europe’s Security and Resilience
The geopolitical context in which Europe operates has changed profoundly over the past two years. Security and defence are no longer abstract policy discussions but immediate priorities requiring concrete action. In this context, military mobility has rapidly moved to the centre of the European agenda, not as a standalone policy, but as a key enabler of Europe’s preparedness, resilience and credibility.
On 22nd April 2026, FEPORT, together with ACI EUROPE and ASECAP, organised a high-level discussion at the European Parliament on “Integrated, Resilient, and Interoperable European Military Mobility: Modernising European transport infrastructure, addressing financial needs.” The event, hosted by MEP Petras Auštrevičius, Member of the SEDE Committee and co-rapporteur on military mobility, gathered representatives from the European Parliament, the European Commission and transport infrastructure operators. Contributions from Members of the European Parliament and officials from DG MOVE and DG DEFIS provided important institutional perspectives, alongside input from sister organisations.
The discussion confirmed that military mobility is no longer a theoretical concept. It is about Europe’s capacity to move personnel, equipment and strategic assets swiftly, predictably and at scale across the Union. It is also about the ability of civilian transport infrastructure, including ports, to operate as part of a dual-use network when required.
One key message emerged clearly from the exchanges: infrastructure alone will not deliver military mobility. Procedures, coordination and governance are equally decisive. Speakers highlighted the need to reduce regulatory barriers, harmonise permissions and streamline procedures, including the development of effective emergency frameworks. Today, delays in cross-border movements can still be counted in weeks. This is not compatible with the level of responsiveness required in the current security environment.
The investment challenge is equally significant. The Commission underlined that Europe faces decades of underinvestment in transport infrastructure, with hundreds of bottlenecks already identified across the network. Even with a reinforced EU budget for military mobility, public funding alone will not be sufficient. The mobilisation of private investment will therefore be essential.
For ports, this evolution raises fundamental questions. The traditional distinction between publicly funded infrastructure and privately financed superstructure no longer reflects operational realities. Port operators are increasingly expected to invest in assets that serve broader public interest objectives such as security, resilience, cybersecurity, energy transition and dual-use capacity. These investments go well beyond purely commercial considerations.
FEPORT emphasised during the discussion that private terminal operators are fully committed to contributing to the resilience and security of European ports. Ports are strategic nodes within the European transport network, ensuring connectivity between maritime and inland transport. Their role in military mobility is not limited to physical infrastructure but extends to equipment, digital systems, security capabilities and efficient intermodal connections.
This is why the regulatory framework must evolve. State aid rules, and in particular the General Block Exemption Regulation, need to reflect the changing role of ports and terminals. If private operators are expected to invest in dual-use capacity, the framework must provide legal certainty and enable effective public-private financing models.
Permitting procedures are another critical element. Strategic investments cannot be delayed by processes lasting several years. Simplification, acceleration and greater predictability are necessary to unlock investments and support the adaptation of infrastructure to new requirements.
The question of compensation must also be addressed. If military use of privately operated infrastructure leads to loss of income, operational disruption or increased costs, clear mechanisms are needed to ensure that private operators are not exposed to disproportionate risks.
Military mobility is therefore not only a defence issue. It is about the future organisation of Europe’s transport system and the way public and private actors cooperate. It also represents an opportunity to define a new generation of public-private partnerships in ports.
This timely discussion at the European Parliament showed a strong convergence on both the urgency of the challenge and the direction of the journey. It also confirmed that delivering on military mobility will require alignment between policy objectives, regulatory frameworks and investment conditions.
For FEPORT, the message is clear. Seaport terminals stand ready to contribute to Europe’s resilience and security. Ensuring that dual use is matched by dual financing, legal clarity and faster implementation will be essential to turn the ambition into reality.
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