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DRAFT OPINION (2023/2059(INI))

Building a comprehensive European port strategy

INTA-PA-750079

Committee on International Trade · Rapporteur: Iuliu Winkler

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The Committee on International Trade's draft opinion asks the Committee on Transport and Tourism to include its suggestions in a draft recommendation on a European port strategy. It says ports are a key artery for EU and global trade, with 74% of goods entering or leaving the EU by sea. It stresses that geopolitical tension, supply chain disruption and Russia's war against Ukraine challenge port operations, and that an open, sustainable and assertive trade policy with ambitious trade agreements would strengthen ports' competitiveness and resilience. It notes that recent or pending EU legislation, including on trade, will require investment and training for port operators and authorities, and warns that foreign trade and investment can create security vulnerabilities, especially over foreign ownership, control or access to EU critical infrastructure including ports. It underlines that Chinese state companies have sought majority or controlling stakes in several European ports under the Belt and Road Initiative, and says the EU-China trade and investment relationship should be rules-based, with the multilateral trading system and reciprocity at its core. It reiterates that the independence, competitiveness and security of European ports and other trade-relevant critical infrastructure must be part of the European economic security strategy, recalls that the foreign direct investment screening regulation addresses third-country investment risks, and highlights the Global Gateway's role in strengthening port networks with third countries.

Committee position. The Committee on International Trade proposes that the Committee on Transport and Tourism incorporate its suggestions into its draft recommendation, stressing geopolitical challenges, open trade policy, security risks from foreign ownership and the role of the Global Gateway.

Key points

  1. The Committee on International Trade calls on the Committee on Transport and Tourism to incorporate its suggestions into its draft recommendation.
  2. European ports are a key artery for EU and global trade, with 74% of goods entering or leaving the EU by sea.
  3. Geopolitical tension, supply chain disruption and Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine pose significant challenges to the efficient operation of European ports.
  4. An open, sustainable and assertive EU trade policy, coupled with ambitious trade agreements, would strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of European ports.
  5. Implementing recent or pending EU legislation, including in trade, will require investment and training for port operators and authorities.
  6. Foreign trade and investment can in certain cases cause security vulnerabilities, particularly regarding foreign ownership, control or access to EU critical infrastructure, including European ports.
  7. Chinese state companies have sought majority or controlling stakes in a number of European ports as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, a strategy aiming to gain influence over key European naval infrastructure.
  8. 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.
  9. The independence, competitiveness and security of European ports and other trade-relevant critical infrastructure must be an integral part of the European economic security strategy.
  10. The regulation on the screening of foreign direct investments addresses risks to security and public order from third-country investments, including those concerning European ports.
  11. The Global Gateway could play a considerable role in strengthening the network of European ports with third countries, facilitating trade and expanding investment opportunities.

Who is affected

  • European ports and port operators and authorities: face investment and training needs from recent or pending EU legislation.
  • EU critical infrastructure, including ports: exposed to security vulnerabilities from foreign ownership, control or access.
  • Chinese state companies: have sought majority or controlling stakes in European ports under the Belt and Road Initiative.
  • EU-China trade and investment relationship: should be rules-based, with the multilateral trading system and reciprocity at its core.
  • Third countries: their investments in European ports are covered by the foreign direct investment screening regulation.

Figures and deadlines

  • 74% of goods enter or leave the EU by sea.