Ports are not only gateways to the EU single market but increasingly multifunctional platforms that facilitate trade, enable decarbonisation, and serve critical security and defence roles. Despite these growing strategic responsibilities, port stakeholders continue to operate in an uneven legal and financial environment. FEPORT therefore calls for the development of a dedicated EU State Aid Framework for Ports, comprising both a targeted block exemption instrument and accompanying State aid guidelines, to allow Member States to provide proportionate, strategic, and EU-law compliant support to port investments that are essential to meeting Union objectives.
Required investments span from low- and zero-emission cargo handling equipment, alternative fuel infrastructure, reinforced berths, and explosion-proof storage areas to the digitalisation and automation of port operations. These costs are in the billions, and while some were not foreseen even a few years ago, they are now urgent and unavoidable. Private operators cannot be expected to bear the full weight of these transformative investments while remaining globally competitive.
FEPORT has drafted a document around the EU State Aid Framework which is available for members only.
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Last updated on 5/12/2025
