The European Sea Ports Organisation welcomed the strategy policy for ports presented yesterday by the European Commission in How much - explained the Association of European Ports in a note - 'recognises the key role that ports play in the European economy and society and starts from a solid understanding of the changing and complex role of ports, as well as of the challenges that this role entails". ESPO found that with its strategy 'the Commission seems to recognise a great deal of It is good that ports must combine their role more than ever of competitive business hubs with their tasks as suppliers of Public services for the resilience of the economy and society European Championships. On the basis of this awareness - he highlighted the association - the Commission highlights the diversity of ports, which requires a broad and flexible approach, which ESPO welcomes with great favor."

Among the elements of the strategy for ports that are particularly appreciated by ESPO is the commitment "to work on the revision EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime, reducing the proven impact of the negative of the current EU ETS for maritime transport on ports European Championships". In addition, it was welcomed 'the Commission's commitment to support European ports in their investments, taking into account investment forecasts made in the ESPO Investment Study from 2024. In addition to the funding needed to support the many investments - the association noted - the strategy underlines rightly the need to continue efforts to simplify and speed up authorisation procedures in order to make major investments in European ports and their industrial districts. The Commission's openness to review thresholds in the context of the next revision of the Regulation is equally important in this perspective".

ESPO also appreciated "the creation of a forum specific where the cybersecurity authorities and Member States' port authorities can cooperate with the Commission to assist ports in addressing risks for IT security".

ESPO also recorded some aspects of the strategy that it considered potentially negative for ports. Specifying that he understands that the guidelines can help to understand how legislation should be interpreted when applied to the the association noted that however, "this must not lead to the addition of an additional layer of criteria, and Conditions to the already agreed legislative framework applicable exclusively at ports. Moreover, at a time when Europe is questioning the most important reporting obligations stringent requirements, ESPO believes that mapping exercises should be limited to really relevant cases. These obligations to mapping and communication involve considerable efforts by Member States, which could ultimately fall on the ports".

Finally, ESPO considers it "necessary to intensify dialogue with the Commission and stakeholders to explain how Promote and achieve the decarbonisation of transport how to adapt the bunkering market and what it is and the role of ports, in order to avoid false expectations or the blocking of activities".