Newsletter – June 2025

EU Ports Strategy for Competitiveness

On July 1^st, 2025 FEPORT is invited to participate to the strategic dialogue with Commissioner Tzitzikostas regarding the EU Ports Strategy.

FEPORT welcomes the announcement of a future EU Port Strategy that will focus on competitiveness. It is indeed important that the strategy does not only focus on defensive tools and mechanisms but also constitutes an opportunity to endow the EU with a strong, competitive and resilient port industry.

This is why FEPORT believes that the strategy should include an EU State aid framework for ports that lists all possible funding mechanisms, compensation measures and State Aid schemes that can be used by Members States to boost the competitiveness of the EU “glocal” port sector as it faces big challenges and fierce competition from non-EU countries.

Terminal operators face challenges in accessing public funding for projects involving superstructure developments. While some CEF-T calls have supported investments in superstructures—contributing to the modernisation and efficiency of terminal operations, such opportunities have remained limited.

Today, terminal equipment must meet higher standards of efficiency and environmental performance. This shift introduces a “green premium”, increasing costs and reducing return on investment (ROI), thereby creating a funding gap.

While FEPORT strongly supports the continuation and renewal of the CEF-T initiative in the upcoming Multi-Annual Financial Framework, to ensure that terminal operators can access the funding necessary to modernise and decarbonise their operations.

The Innovation Fund has so far offered very limited opportunities for terminal operators, despite the sector being among the most exposed to carbon leakage under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). While the fund aims to support decarbonisation, its current focus is heavily skewed toward technologies, business models, and processes that are not yet commercially available. This narrow scope risks overlooking the fund’s core objective: to accelerate decarbonisation in sectors like transport.

Even the newly adopted Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) does not explicitly mention ports although the EU green objectives will require significant infrastructure development, including new terminals, fuel storage and bunkering facilities. Member States will have the last word in designing their national schemes in this respect.

What are the advantages of a clear EU State aid framework for ports?

A State Aid Framework would provide predictable, transparent rules that reduce legal and financial risk for private investors in ports. It would promote a level playing field, ensuring investments are not undermined by unfair government subsidies. It would also encourage investment in sustainable, innovative projects that align with EU goals and supports the development of modern infrastructure, improving port efficiency and boosting long-term returns.

In short, a State Aid Framework would increase investor confidence by ensuring a stable, fair, and sustainable environment for port investments.

FEPORT also supports the financial instruments proposed in the Readiness 2030 plan, including the newly announced Security Action For Europe fund, the European Investment Bank’s SESI fund, and the increased flexibility of the Cohesion Fund.

These measures will be instrumental in strengthening the dual-use capabilities of EU ports and terminals.

FEPORT looks forward to continuing a fruitful cooperation with the different Directorates involved in the collective work on the EU Ports Strategy to ensure that the output constitutes a milestone for the future of the competitiveness of EU ports.

18.09.2025 - Social Affairs Committee Meeting

08.10.2025 - Environment, Safety and Security Committee Meeting

10.10.2025 - Port Policy Committee Meeting

14.10.2025 - Customs Committee Meeting

28.10.2025 - Social Affairs Committee Meeting

European Parliament Plenary Session
7-10 July, Strasbourg

European Port Alliance
21 July, Copenhagen

Council of the EU - Informal meeting of environment ministers
10-11 July, Brussels