Ports
The European Union (EU) recognizes the crucial role of ports in its economy and transport system. As major hubs for international and intra-EU trade, ports in Europe handle 74% of goods entering or leaving the continent by sea, playing a key role in both the global supply chain and internal market dynamics. They serve not only as pivotal points for goods movement but also as energy centers, accommodating both conventional and renewable energy sources.
A staggering 400 million passengers travel through these ports annually, contributing significantly to the travel and tourism sector. Employment opportunities created by these ports are substantial, with 1.5 million workers directly employed in European ports and an equivalent number employed indirectly across the 22 EU maritime member states.
However, the EU faces challenges in port operations. Bottlenecks due to inadequate infrastructure or services lead to congestion, increased emissions, and higher costs for shippers, transport operators, consumers, and society. Addressing these issues is essential for maintaining the efficiency and sustainability of the EU's transport network.
To enhance the performance of ports and address these challenges, the EU has set guidelines under the development of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T). This initiative, adopted on May 23, 2013, focuses on improving operations and transport connections at 329 key seaports within the TEN-T. The approach includes a mix of legislative and non-legislative measures, aiming to create a unified network to boost growth and competitiveness within Europe's Single Market. The TEN-T guidelines mark a significant step towards optimizing port efficiency, reducing logistical bottlenecks, and promoting sustainable transport solutions across Europe.
A staggering 400 million passengers travel through these ports annually, contributing significantly to the travel and tourism sector. Employment opportunities created by these ports are substantial, with 1.5 million workers directly employed in European ports and an equivalent number employed indirectly across the 22 EU maritime member states.
However, the EU faces challenges in port operations. Bottlenecks due to inadequate infrastructure or services lead to congestion, increased emissions, and higher costs for shippers, transport operators, consumers, and society. Addressing these issues is essential for maintaining the efficiency and sustainability of the EU's transport network.
To enhance the performance of ports and address these challenges, the EU has set guidelines under the development of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T). This initiative, adopted on May 23, 2013, focuses on improving operations and transport connections at 329 key seaports within the TEN-T. The approach includes a mix of legislative and non-legislative measures, aiming to create a unified network to boost growth and competitiveness within Europe's Single Market. The TEN-T guidelines mark a significant step towards optimizing port efficiency, reducing logistical bottlenecks, and promoting sustainable transport solutions across Europe.
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Regulation (EU) 2017/352 establishing a framework for the provision of port services and common rules on the financial transparency of ports (read the consolidated text).
The European Union's strategy for improving its port sector aims to create a more equitable and stable environment for port operators, fostering a climate favorable for both public and private investments. This approach is encapsulated in a regulation that sets forth specific guidelines and conditions for the provision of port services. Key elements of this regulation include:
These measures are intended to level the playing field in the sector, protect operators against uncertainties, and promote an environment conducive to efficient and sustainable investments in port infrastructure and services. This comprehensive approach is critical for enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of European ports, thereby supporting the broader objectives of the EU's transport and economic policies.
The European Union's strategy for improving its port sector aims to create a more equitable and stable environment for port operators, fostering a climate favorable for both public and private investments. This approach is encapsulated in a regulation that sets forth specific guidelines and conditions for the provision of port services. Key elements of this regulation include:
- Freedom to Provide Port Services: The regulation defines the conditions under which this freedom applies. It includes stipulations for minimum requirements that can be imposed for safety or environmental reasons.
- Limiting the Number of Operators: The regulation outlines circumstances under which the number of port operators can be restricted and details the procedures for selecting operators in such cases.
- Transparency of Public Funding and Charges: The regulation introduces common rules for the transparency of public funding and for charging the use of port infrastructure and services. A significant aspect of this is ensuring that port users are involved in consultations.
- Resolution of Complaints and Disputes: The regulation establishes a new mechanism in each Member State to handle complaints and disputes between various port stakeholders. This mechanism is designed to address issues more effectively and maintain harmonious operations.
- Training for Port Service Providers: Lastly, the regulation mandates that all providers of port services ensure adequate training for their employees. This requirement is aimed at enhancing the overall quality and safety of port operations.
These measures are intended to level the playing field in the sector, protect operators against uncertainties, and promote an environment conducive to efficient and sustainable investments in port infrastructure and services. This comprehensive approach is critical for enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of European ports, thereby supporting the broader objectives of the EU's transport and economic policies.
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Application and modernization of the State aid rules, in the context of the competition policy.
The European Commission has implemented several key decisions and guidelines to streamline and clarify the regulatory framework for port operations and investments within the European Union. These measures are part of a broader effort to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the EU's port sector. The significant developments include:
These initiatives form a comprehensive framework for decision-making in the EU port sector. They aim to simplify regulatory processes, promote fair competition, and facilitate appropriate and effective use of public funds in port infrastructure and services. This structured approach is essential for ensuring that the EU's ports continue to operate efficiently and contribute significantly to the EU's economy and global trade.
The European Commission has implemented several key decisions and guidelines to streamline and clarify the regulatory framework for port operations and investments within the European Union. These measures are part of a broader effort to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the EU's port sector. The significant developments include:
- Notice on the Notion of State Aid (May 2016): This document provides guidance on when public investments in ports do not constitute state aid. By clarifying these conditions, the notice helps ensure that public funding and support are in line with EU competition rules.
- Analytical Grid for Port Infrastructure (December 2, 2016): This grid offers further guidance on the rules and case practices applicable to the port sector. It serves as a tool for Member States and port authorities to better understand and comply with EU regulations, especially concerning infrastructure development and financing.
- Updated General Block Exemption Regulation (May 17, 2017): The European Commission adopted an updated version of this regulation, which provides more flexibility to Member States in deciding on public funding for certain port investments. With this update, Member States can approve specific port investments without requiring prior approval from the Commission. This change aims to expedite the process of investing in and developing port infrastructure, while still adhering to EU competition and state aid rules.
These initiatives form a comprehensive framework for decision-making in the EU port sector. They aim to simplify regulatory processes, promote fair competition, and facilitate appropriate and effective use of public funds in port infrastructure and services. This structured approach is essential for ensuring that the EU's ports continue to operate efficiently and contribute significantly to the EU's economy and global trade.
- European Social Dialogue in the Port Sector: The Commission supports the EU Social Dialogue Committee in the Port Sector, focusing on health & safety, training and qualifications, gender issues, and promoting female employment and attractiveness to young workers. Representatives from both port employees and employers collaborate to create guidelines for training and national health and safety requirements. This dialogue also addresses key challenges facing EU ports, including adapting to change and preparing for the future.
- Planning, Financing, and Funding of Port Infrastructure: Ports have been integrated into the corridor work plans of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) under Regulation 1315/2013. The Commission offers targeted grants and financial support to port infrastructure projects through the Connecting Europe Facility. Since 2014, over €1 billion has been awarded to support projects like rail or inland waterways connecting ports with the hinterland, basic port infrastructure, and green port initiatives.
- Simplification of Procedures in Ports: A key initiative involves improving digital information flows and reducing administrative burdens to ensure efficient ship port calls and cargo throughput. The Commission is working on establishing a European Maritime Single Window environment, which will provide technical and legal frameworks for the submission and re-use of regulatory reporting information, including the eManifest for customs. This initiative was under assessment as of 2018, with a proposal expected to follow.
- Environmental Improvement of Ports: The Commission is promoting the exchange of good practices to raise the environmental standards of ports. As part of its research and innovation agenda, the "Port of the Future" call was launched in 2016 under the Horizon 2020 programme. This initiative encourages innovation in ports and their integration with port cities.
