Building a comprehensive European port strategy

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SUGGESTIONS

The Committee on International Trade calls on the Committee on Transport and Tourism, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following suggestions into its draft recommendation:

A. whereas European ports are a key artery for EU and global trade, with 74 % of goods entering or leaving the EU by sea;

1. Stresses that geopolitical tension and supply chain disruption, alongside Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, represent significant challenges for the efficient operation of European ports;

2. Highlights that an open, sustainable and assertive EU trade policy, coupled with ambitious trade agreements, would strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of European ports;

3. Notes that the implementation of recent or pending EU legislation, including in the field of trade, will require investment and training for port operators and authorities;

4. Emphasises that in certain cases foreign trade and investment can cause security vulnerabilities, in particular with regard to foreign ownership, control or access to EU critical infrastructure, including European ports;

5. Underlines that Chinese state companies have sought to acquire majority or controlling stakes in a number of European ports as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, which is a strategy aiming to gain influence over key European naval infrastructure and a distinct matter of economic security of considerable importance in the current context of geopolitical competition; is convinced that the EU-China bilateral trade and investment relationship is of strategic importance and should be rules-based, with the multilateral trading system and the principle of reciprocity at its core;

6. Reiterates that the independence, competitiveness and security of European ports alongside other trade relevant critical infrastructure must be an integral part of the European economic security strategy;

7. Recalls that the regulation on the screening of foreign direct investments addresses risks to security and public order resulting from investments from third countries, including those concerning European ports;

8. Emphasises the considerable role that the Global Gateway could play in strengthening the network of European ports with third countries, facilitating trade and expanding investment opportunities.