The EU Plan for Competitiveness
The long awaited EU Competitiveness Compass has been published, and it will certainly be extensively commented in the coming weeks. Beyond its content, we may already collectively appreciate the fact that competitiveness is high on the EU agenda. We also hope that the intentions will be followed by concrete actions.
FEPORT welcomes that ports and the maritime industry are highlighted, in this important document, as crucial for the future EU economy.
The European Union's (EU) maritime cluster is indeed critical in the context of global competition in digital dominance and decarbonization. While the EU is not as prominent as the U.S. in digital technologies or as aggressive as China in renewable energy production, more than ever, we should act to become more autonomous and consolidate our strengths.
FEPORT welcomes the intention to adopt ambitious EU policies that will have a significant role in driving sustainability and innovation in the maritime sector. The future policies should be holistic and not fragmented.
The EU maritime cluster encompasses shipbuilding, shipping, ports, marine technology, and blue economy sectors. The EU is home to some of the world's leading shipping companies, innovative shipbuilders, and advanced port superstructure and infrastructure.
The EU maritime ecosystem serves as a bridge between digital innovation and decarbonization. However, it faces stiff competition.
Digital transformation requires significant investment which smaller operators may struggle to afford. And when implemented, increased digitalization may expose the maritime sector to cyber threats, requiring robust defences. The good news, however, is that solutions exist, and many companies are taking efficient measures.
In many respects, the EU maritime sector embodies the challenges faced by many industries in the EU. While thanks to their massive investments in digital innovation and energy projects the US and China currently dominate, the EU excels in sustainable technologies, and innovation.
The key component of the EU plan should therefore be investment in those sectors where we perform and export. Our leitmotiv should also be “we need an assertive and offensive EU” and “not a defensive and protectionist EU” as there is no progress without real competition.
A real public-private partnership at EU level is also needed as will be crucial more cooperation between research centres, academic institutions, and the private sector to ramp up in terms of innovation.
Last but not least, we need to invest in people, those who are everyday working in the EU and for the EU to maintain and enhance its competitiveness.
FEPORT Eighth Stakeholder's Conference: 9th April 2025
Dear colleagues, Dear friends,
Please SAVE THE DATE of FEPORT’s 8th Stakeholders' Conference: 9th of April 2025 at the Residence Palace in Brussels.
Looking forward to welcoming you !
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ITF OECD Stakeholders’ Consultations – Paris
The European Commission Releases the Competitiveness Compass – Brussels
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