Source: European Parliament
Every year, Europe’s ports move roughly three-quarters of all goods that enter or leave the EU, and handle close to 400 million passengers, making them indispensable gateways for trade. On 17 January 2024, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the European Commission to deliver a comprehensive EU ports strategy. In March 2026, the Commission published the EU ports strategy and the EU industrial maritime strategy. The ports strategy is built around five pillars – competitiveness, energy transition, security and resilience, access to finance, and social cohesion – and stresses the importance of stronger hinterland connections. The EU industrial maritime strategy defines six pillars for the maritime sector, focusing, in particular, on the EU industrial base, transport and connectivity, security and defence, innovation, investment and skills. It proposes measures to enhance the attractiveness of Member States’ flags, revise relevant EU legislation, improve data interconnectivity, facilitate free trade agreements, and make research and innovation infrastructure and financing available in the field of waterborne transport. Together, the two blueprints aim to make Europe’s ports and shipping greener, safer and more competitive, while improving working conditions in the sector and social cohesion.
GULLENTOPS Mathias Mathieu
KOHL Linda Christine