As we await the confirmation hearings for the new Commissioner-designates, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the priorities they have outlined in the answers to the written questions submitted by MEPs from different committees and in particular those which relate to the port sectors. With a focus on sustainability, digitalisation, and global competitiveness, these priorities align with the pressing needs of Europe’s Port Sector.
Mr Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the Commissioner-designate for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, has set ambitious goals aimed at transitioning the maritime sector towards sustainability. He plans to coordinate the preparation of a comprehensive EU Port Strategy, aimed at improving the security, sustainability, and competitiveness of EU ports. He has expressed a commitment to implementing the Naiades III Action Plan, which seeks to shift more goods onto inland waterways and promote zero-emission vessels and ports.
Digitalisation remains a cornerstone of the future port sector, with Commissioner-designate Tzitzikostas emphasising the development of the European Maritime Single Window Environment (EMSWe). This initiative aims to streamline freight transport and logistics, delivering substantial efficiency gains for ports and their operations. Such advancements align with the broader EU agenda of creating integrated, digitally enabled logistics chains that can enhance service delivery and responsiveness to market demands.
The strong statements on sustainability as well as digitalisation underscore the importance of a holistic approach across all segments which compose the maritime logistics sector i.e. upstream and downstream ports. We hope that this approach will also be reflected in the European Maritime Industrial Strategy that should also be inclusive of ports. Ports are not standalone entities. They are fully part of the maritime cluster and connected to the hinterland and all other modes of transport.
Additionally, the role of ports in enhancing military mobility has been emphasised by Andrius Kubilius, the Commissioner-designate for Defence and Space. His recognition of the importance of investing in logistics infrastructure, including ports, aligns with the EU’s goal of ensuring economic security and resilience. This perspective integrates the dual-use nature of transport infrastructure, demonstrating how ports as part of the maritime logistics chain can contribute to both civilian and military purposes.
With a focus on innovative solutions, sustainable practices, and enhanced infrastructure, the port sector stands at the forefront of Europe’s efforts to achieve economic growth and environmental responsibility. The hearings will be pivotal in determining how these priorities will be transformed into actionable policies and significant financial support.
We hope that dialogue between the different industries of the transport sector will be the trademark of the new incoming Commissioners and will take place prior to new initiatives. This will probably be the best way to build meaningful and useful policies for a strong and competitive EU transport sector.
Source: The European Parliament