The EU Port Strategy should include a State Aid Framework for ports that boosts the competitiveness of the sector and enables it to reach EU objectives

Gathered in the beautiful city of Naples for the mid-year General Assembly meeting of the organisation, FEPORT members applauded the publication on the 28th of April 2025 of the ECJ’s Order recognising that FEPORT action has compelled the EU Commission to put an end to its failure to act for nine years regarding the 2015 Greek Tonnage Tax Decision.

As a consequence of FEPORT’s action, two important Decisions[1] have been published which clarify the scope and eligibility of the tonnage tax scheme in compliance with the Maritime State Aid Guidelines and BEPS Pillar 2 definition of international shipping[2].

Among others, the turnover of loading/cargo handling in port is only eligible as far as it applies to integrated operations; in other words, the handling of containers within the port area, that a shipping line would provide to third parties is not eligible to tonnage tax.

The EU Port Strategy was the other important topic discussed by FEPORT members who welcomed the announcement that the future Strategy 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.

“FEPORT members are fully committed to support EU objectives in terms of defense, security, fight against drugs, energy transition, decarbonisation and military mobility but resilience should go hand in hand with competitiveness as competition is fierce with non-EU ports. Be it on the service offer, bunkering and the provision of alternative fuels, EU ports are under pressure to deliver.

It is therefore crucial that the EU endows its ports with a clear and ambitious State Aid framework that acknowledges the “glocal” nature of the industry and allows port stakeholders to perform and remain competitive” says Mr Gunther Bonz, President of FEPORT

“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 Member States to boost the competitiveness of the EU “glocal”[3] port sector as it faces big challenges and fierce competition from non-EU countries[4]” adds Mr Bonz

“A clear EU State Aid framework for ports would provide predictable, transparent rules that reduce legal and financial risk, promote a level playing field, ensuring investments are not undermined by unfair government subsidies, and encourage investment in sustainable, innovative projects that align with EU goals. In short, the framework would increase private investors’ confidence by ensuring a stable, fair, and sustainable environment for port investments.

An EU State aid framework for ports is a vital tool for private investors in the era of military mobility because it would create clear pathways to participate in the development of military-critical infrastructure, fostering long-term growth and stability” concludes FEPORT president.Top of FormBottom of Form

FEPORT and its members look forward to continuing the good cooperation with the EU Commission’s Directorates involved in the elaboration of the EU Port Strategy to share its thoughts and suggestions on the different pillars of the EU Port Strategy.
Source: FEPORT