COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS EU Ports Strategy
Date: 2026-03-04
Institutions: Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, European Commission
Subjects: EU strategy, European security, common ports policy, competitiveness, energy transition, foreign enterprise, foreign investment, harbour installation, third country

EN 

  EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 4.3.2026  COM(2026) 112 final  COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS EU Ports Strategy {SWD(2026) 81 final}  
 
 
1.  INTRODUCTION 

For millennia, people, goods and ideas have met at and passed through ports. The sheer volume 
of activity around ports led to the creation of the port cities we know today, and the reach of 
ports extended further, enabling regional and global trade. Today, the EU’s industrial strength 
and export capacity depend on its ability  to be firmly connected to global trade flows. 
Ports are essential interfaces between the European economy and international markets. Ports 
are also lifelines for islands, coastal, and outermost regions, which should be preserved.  

Geopolitics  run  directly  through  our  supply  chains,  and  our  ports  are  vital  for  Europe’s 
security  and  strategic  autonomy.  Ports  must  expand  capacity,  decarbonise,  digitalise,  and 
reinforce security—simultaneously and at scale. They have the potential to become hosts for 
new industry, clean energy, innovation clusters and today already take on a crucial role 
for the EU’s energy supply, defence and the blue economy.  

The transformation brings opportunities for ports and the EU economy. But in parallel, ports 
are  exposed  to  new  vulnerabilities  and  responsibilities  –  from  fighting  organised  criminal 
networks,  cyber  and  drone  threats,  to  addressing  concerns  around  foreign  ownership  and 
intensifying competition from third countries. As global powers tussle to extend or protect their 
spheres of influence, ports risk becoming a battleground. We need to strengthen ports in their 
role  as  competitive  trade  hubs  and  support  them  as  critical  infrastructures  for  the  EU’s 
Economic Security and as public service providers for the resilience of our society. 

EU ports handle more than 3.4 billion tonnes or 74% of goods entering or leaving Europe and 
around 395 million passengers each year1. With almost 3 million port calls per year, the EU 
accounts for 23% of the port calls worldwide. Their economic footprint reached a turnover of 
around EUR 90 billion in 2022 and around 423 000 direct jobs2. The trans-European transport 
network is based on 283 seaports, 223 inland ports and 44 mixed ports. Small and medium 
ports  provide  important  services  in  outermost  regions,  remote  areas,  islands  and  highly 
specialised  markets.  Port  actors  include  port  authorities,  terminal  operators,  tug  operators, 
maritime pilots, bunkering and port reception facility providers, offering services to shipping 
and logistic companies and other stakeholders.  

In  a  wide-ranging  consultation  process3  industry,  Members  States  and  other  stakeholders 
confirmed the need to strengthen competitiveness, empower ports in the energy transition, to 
decarbonise,  to  improve  security  and resilience, to  access  finance  and  make  ports  safer and 
more secure places to work. The diversity of ports, in terms of size, location, market segments 
served, governance models, and stakeholders, calls for a broad, and flexible approach. 

Building on the 2013 Ports Policy, the EU acts now in providing a framework for the future 
of  European  ports.  The  EU  Ports  Strategy  brings  together  ongoing  and  new  initiatives, 
simplification and guidance on implementing current legislation4. 

1https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Maritime_transport_of_goods_-_annual_data  
2 https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2771/2333701  
3https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14659-EU-Ports-Strategy_en, 
4 The EU Ports Strategy addresses transport aspects of maritime and inland ports. Other Blue Economy sectors, 
in particular tourism, fishing and marinas, are covered by the European Ocean Pact, the EU Sustainable Tourism 
Strategy and the European Strategies for the Outermost Regions, coastal regions and islands. 

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2.  STRENGTHEN COMPETITIVENESS, INNOVATION & DIGITALISATION 

2.1.  Maintain global competitiveness 

This  strategy  supports  EU  ports  in  maintaining  and  strengthening  their  competitiveness.  It 
focuses  on  innovation  and  digitalisation,  improved  hinterland  connections,  common  EU 
funding  priorities,  regulatory  simplification  and 
the  development  of  new  business 
opportunities. 

Maritime trade is inherently global. EU ports therefore both cooperate and compete with ports 
worldwide,  making  these  relationships  complex  and  multifaceted.  EU  ports  and  companies 
engage with third-country ports in areas such as clean energy and alternative fuels and invest 
abroad  as  part  of  global  logistics  chains.  These  activities  are  supported  by  several  EU  and 
international initiatives. 

Competitiveness  in  ports  is  affected  by  costs  (including  energy,  labour,  state  supported 
investments)  and  non-cost  factors  (especially  applicable  standards  and  laws).  Uneven  legal 
frameworks (for environmental, social and other aspects) and aggressive investment strategies 
are major concerns for a level-playing field. The Commission is preparing for the update of the 
EU  emissions  trading  system  in  Q3  2026,  followed  by  the  planned  review  of  the  FuelEU 
Maritime Regulation. This update, among others, will consider any potential implementation 
issues that affect the competitiveness of European ports, notably the risk of traffic diversion to 
non-EU transhipment ports.  

Beyond pricing, service quality and efficient hinterland connections remain key factors for port 
competitiveness. The EU further supports the sector by defining funding priorities (see Annex 
1).  Through  its  programmes,  the  Union  supports  investments  that  strengthen  sustainability, 
competitiveness,  connectivity  and  resilience5.  Additional  measures  concerning  maritime 
manufacturing and shipping are envisaged in the EU Industrial Maritime Strategy.  

In certain cases, the EU also provides funding for ports in candidate countries as well as for 
third country port projects on several aspects. With this strategy the Commission defines clear 
principles (Annex 1) which will form the basis to prioritise mutually beneficial initiatives in 
third-country ports. The Commission, EEAS, EU financial institutions and Member States 

5 The  Commission supports through the Global Gateway strategy and the Clean Energy Ministerial initiatives 
such  as  the  Global  Gateway  Green  Shipping  Corridors  and  Hubs  (GGGSCH)  and  India–Middle  East–Europe 
Economic Corridor (IMEC) or projects such as the "Future-Ready Shipping in Africa” as well as potential new 
initiatives  under  the  Pact  for  the  Mediterranean.  The  EU  strategic  approach  to  the  Black  Sea  Region  will 
strengthen  cooperation  with  third  countries  and  multilateral  organisations  and  financial  institutions,  while 
preserving the competitiveness of EU. 

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should  apply  these  principles  in  their  initiatives  and  improve  coordination  and  information 
exchange, in line with EU competition rules. 

Access to third-country port markets should be based on fair and non-discriminatory conditions 
for EU and partner-country operators, in particular, the EU will consider whether to continue 
granting foreign market access in sensitive sectors — such as port services — where the EU 
operators do not receive comparable access in a third country. The Commission will apply the 
principles of this strategy in negotiations on international agreements and cooperation 
frameworks. It will continue to pursue market access in free trade agreement negotiations and, 
together with the European External Action Service (EEAS), engage with third countries 
to promote fair investment conditions and access for EU businesses in port infrastructure 
and operations. Bidders from countries that exclude EU operators, or from countries with which 
the EU has not concluded agreements ensuring fair and non-discriminatory access, should not 
benefit from unrestricted access to EU port-related concessions and public procurement. 

Finally,  Member  States  and  their  standardisation  bodies  should  play  a  leading  role  in 
setting  global  technical  standards  in  relevant  international  fora,  including  ISO.  The 
Commission will support these efforts through a new workstream on Innovative Ports 
and Terminals under the High-Level Forum on European Standardisation6. 

2.2.  Ensuring economic security of EU ports 

As world leaders in maritime transport and logistics chains, European ports attract investment. 
While investments are welcome and needed, they can come with security risks, depending on 
the source. Foreign ownership or influence in strategic port assets can raise legitimate questions 
about long-term alignment with EU economic security interests, especially where state-backed 
actors are involved. The Commission is  already addressing foreign  influence and  economic 
security  through  several  horizontal  instruments7  to  ensure  that  companies  receiving  foreign 
State-support, do not gain unfair competitive advantages on the EU’s internal market.  

The Joint Communication on Strengthening EU Economic Security8 calls for more assertive 
EU  action  on  limiting  ownership,  control  and  operation  by  high-risk  entities  of  critical 
infrastructure.  This  can  reduce  risks  of  technological  lock-in  or  dependency  on  (high-risk) 
suppliers. It can also prevent access by high-risk entities to EU-funded initiatives and support 
the development of trusted suppliers of critical sub-components.  

To ensure the rules are implemented consistently, the Commission will develop guidance for 
the Member States for assessing foreign investments in line with the EU’s international 
commitments. This will be based on a systemic approach including all relevant port operators 
according  to  their  role  in  critical  supply  chains  and  in  particular  for  ports  falling  under  the 
requirements of the Military Mobility Regulation.  It would notably establish thresholds and 
criteria for foreign influence, such as influence on strategic decisions, control of operations and 
dependence on high-risk suppliers of equipment. A framework for mapping and monitoring 

6 https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/goods/european-standards/standardisation-policy_en 
7 Including the Foreign Direct Investment Screening Regulation, the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, the Critical 
Entities Resilience Directive, and the NIS2 Directive, which also covers cybersecurity aspects. 
8 JOIN (2025) 977. 

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foreign investments in EU ports will follow, in line with the FDI screening regulation and the 
EU Economic Security Communication. 

From  a  defence  perspective,  in  line  with  the  proposal  for  a  Military  Mobility  Regulation9, 
Member  States  should  prevent,  mitigate  and  tackle  the  risks  associated  with  foreign 
ownership  and  control  of  strategic  dual-use  port  infrastructures  and  their  related 
operations.  Relevant  ports  should  undergo  a  thorough  assessment  by  Member  States  to 
mitigate  risks  of  foreign  ownership,  operational  control  and  equipment  from  high-risk 
suppliers. Furthermore, Member States are to establish frameworks for timely access to critical 
transport resources, including ports, when alternative measures, such as contracting, cannot be 
mobilised within the required timeframe.  Member States  should  ensure the possibility  of 
gaining  temporary  public  control  or  right  of  use  of  strategic  dual  use  infrastructure, 
assets or equipment under national law. The Commission recalls the importance of the swift 
adoption of the Military Mobility Regulation proposal and calls on the Member States to ensure 
that the necessary measures are fully and swiftly implemented.  

2.3.  Take innovation to the EU’s ports  

Innovation has driven efficiency and competitiveness gains across the port sector. A wider use 
of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, combined with a demand for innovative 
solutions to address today’s challenges (sustainability, energy efficiency, safety and security), 
open the door to more innovative European solutions in ports. However, despite important EU 
research and long-term R&I funding, European innovative solutions do not make it to larger 
market deployment. To ensure deployment beyond the pilot phase, the Commission will place 
stronger emphasis on this goal in future Horizon Europe initiatives, including the EUR 
21 million flagship topic “Ports of the Future”10 as well as upcoming Horizon Europe calls. 

To support this goal, the Commission will strengthen technological leadership of the Union 
in  the  use  of  alternative  fuels,  electrification,  design,  retrofitting  of  equipment,  energy 
efficiency  and  digitalisation,  and  include  energy  conversion  systems,  circularity,  and 
digital  solutions.  The  Commission  will  seek  the  reinforcement  of  public-private 
cooperation  under  the  2028-2034  Horizon  Europe  Framework  Programme  in  priority 
areas,  based  on  a  portfolio  approach.  In  waterborne  transport,  this  will  build  upon  the 
achievements  of  the  current  co-programmed  Zero  Emission  Waterborne  Transport 
Partnership (ZEWT), with a view to strengthening and expanding the EU action in this 
area, to foster synergies and scale effect between decarbonisation, digitalisation, automation 
and circularity in the broader waterborne ecosystem. 

With  dedicated  workshops  and  technical  assistance,  BlueInvest11,  can  help  testing  of  new 
technologies,  market  validation,  provide  technical  assistance  and  support  fundraising  and 
market acceptance, especially for small and medium ports. In addition, the new “Knowledge 
and Innovation Community” on Water, Marine and Maritime Sectors and Ecosystems, under 
the  European  Institute  of  Innovation  and  Technology  (EIT)  will  integrate  ports  in  the 
“innovation knowledge triangle” between universities, research institutions and businesses.  

9 COM(2025) 847 final. 
10 “Ports of the Future”, in the 2026/27 Horizon Europe work programme, promotes replication across small and 
medium  sized  ports.  The  “Strategic  Energy  Technology  Plan”  Flagship  de-risks  renewable  fuel  technologies. 
Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe have provided overall EUR 218 million to support innovation at ports. 
11 https://maritime-forum.ec.europa.eu/theme/investments/blueinvest_en  

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Sector  stakeholders  should  support  the  uptake  and  distribution  of  EU  funded  research, 
share best practices and develop partnerships and new business models that go beyond 
specific/local challenges. They should address market requirements at large, including those 
of small and medium-sized ports. Member States are also encouraged to streamline planning 
and permitting procedures to allow a swift take -up of innovation in ports.  

2.4.  Efficient and digital port operations and logistics chains  

The  rise  in  average  waiting  times  at  major  EU  ports  in  202412  showed  how  maritime 
connectivity is increasingly constrained by terminal productivity and hinterland links, not sea 
access alone13. Inefficient rail and inland waterway connections, combined with larger vessels 
and limited space, hinder operations. Strengthening these links can reduce transit times and 
costs,  improve  supply  chains  and  support  trade  within  the  EU  and  with  partners,  including 
Mediterranean ports. 

The  European  Maritime  Space  (EMS)  is  a  key  component  of  the  trans-European  transport 
network.  In  the  upcoming  EMS  work  plan,  the  EMS  coordinator  will  prioritise  the 
development  of  sustainable  and  green  short  sea  shipping  hubs  and  links,  promote 
collaboration  between  ports,  with  a  focus  on  smaller  ports,  the  upgrade  of  maritime 
infrastructure and integration with rail and inland waterway transport. To further support 
modal shift, the Commission will strengthen rules on access to rail service facilities14 and 
propose an Action Plan on Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) for the period 2028-2034, 
which will also focus on inland ports.  

This needs to be supplemented by Member States and industry stakeholders, who should 
give  higher  priority  to  hinterland  connections  with  rail  and  inland  waterways15.  The 
ability to adapt and react fast to today’s challenges is a critical component for competitiveness 
and  therefore,  port  concessions  and  land  lease  contracts  should  allow  for  sufficient 
flexibility. Member States are encouraged to streamline land use planning and permitting 
procedures to allow a swift development of additional areas for port use, while protecting 
the  environment  and  human  health  in  line  with  the  proposed  Regulation  for  speeding-up 
environmental assessments16.  

Digital applications can optimise port calls, improve turnaround times, reduce waiting times 
and optimise use of resources, while reducing emissions and improving safety and security. EU 
digital  initiatives17,  will  facilitate  B2G  reporting  and  customs  processes.  Furthermore,  CEF 
Digital supports the deployment of 5G technologies in ports.  

B2B data exchange is fragmented and often bound to proprietary software. Better integration 
of  systems  can  improve  supply  chain  visibility  without  imposing  centralised  platforms  and 

12 https://www.beacon.com/resources/global-port-congestion-2024-year-in-review  
13 Drewry, Ports & Terminals Insight, Q1 2025, 28/02/2025 
14 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2017/2177/oj  
15 In line with Regulation (EU) 2024/1679, Art. 29 of the railway infrastructure capacity Regulation, and using 
the consultation provisions under the Port Services Regulation. 
16 COM(2025) 0391 final. 
17  Such  as  the  European  Maritime  Single  Window  environment  (EMSWe),  the  electronic  freight  transport 
information (eFTI) and the upcoming revision of the Union Customs Code.  

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safeguards  existing  IT  investments.  The  Commission  will  establish  EU  guidelines  for 
efficient data sharing in the transport chain, together with actions of Member States18.  

2.5.  A functioning internal market and fair competition 

A functioning internal market is a competitive advantage for EU ports. It also supports Europe’s 
strategic autonomy, and safeguards employment in the port sector. The 2013 EU Ports Policy19 
had  trade  and  the  internal  market  at  its  heart.  While  progress  is  visible,  inconsistent 
implementation of single market rules across Member States, evolving port market structures, 
and slow permitting processes put the EU’s competitive advantages at risk.  

EU  State  aid  rules  frame  Member  States  funding  for  ports  and  provide  legal  clarity, 
transparency and predictability. The revised rules on ports and maritime links in the Decision 
on  Services  of  General  Economic  Interest  (SGEI)  allow  Member  States  to  support  more 
efficiently  smaller  ports,  across  islands,  coastal  and  outermost  regions20.  Ports  must  also 
address  emerging  challenges  (security,  cybersecurity,  digitalisation,  military  mobility  and 
reskilling of port workers for new technologies), and financing investments to that end should 
not distort competition. The Commission is currently reviewing the Commission Regulation 
(EU) No 651/2014 (“General Block Exemption Regulation” - GBER). In this context, where 
appropriate, also in light of the outcome of the public consultation, the Commission will assess 
whether changing thresholds is necessary and provide further guidance, giving examples 
and interpretative clarifications of GBER rules, including for port infrastructure investments. 
Together with the forthcoming Land and Multimodal Transport Guidelines, the new Transport 
Block Exemption Regulation will facilitate public support for multimodal transport facilities 
which are in maritime ports and have rail or inland waterways connections, whereby improving 
hinterland connections. 

Concession  and  land-lease  agreements  with  port  terminal  operators  play  a  critical  role  in 
attracting  capital  and  boosting  the  competitiveness  of  European  ports.  Those  agreements 
provide  the  framework  for  long-term  investments,  enabling  ports  to  prosper  and  address 
pressing societal needs. Member States and port authorities should aim for a balance between 
return on investments for private operators and suitable contractual obligations (duration, 
transparent and fair conditions for renewals, flexibility clauses) to ensure resilience, security, 
safety and reduction of emissions. The Commission will ensure the compliance with internal 
market rules across EU Ports. 

The  increasing  vertical  integration  of  large  logistics  and  shipping  operators  is  changing  the 
traditional  port  landscape.  Vertical  integration  can  improve  predictability  of  traffic 
development  and  thereby  support  long-term  investment  plans,  deliver  efficiencies  and 
innovation  across  logistics  chains,  reduce  transaction  costs  and  improve  service  quality  for 
users. At the same time, effective competition among operators should be preserved in line with 
applicable  EU  antitrust  and  merger  rules.  The  Commission  will  review  the  EU’s  merger 
guidelines with a view to provide clear and updated guidance on the application of EU merger 
rules to both horizontal and non-horizontal effects of mergers.  

18 Under the European Data Infrastructure Consortium, https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/edic.  
19 COM(2013) 295 final. 
20 http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2630/oj  

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Flagship actions 
•  Use guiding principles for EU funding and investments in third country ports (Annex 1). 
•  Develop guidance to Member States with criteria for assessing foreign investments in 

ports in line with the EU’s international commitments. 

•  Support  the  digital  and  green  transformation  of  European  ports  through  innovation, 
promoting  scale-up,  replication  and  uptake  of  innovative  port  equipment  and 
technologies. 

3.  ADVANCE  ENERGY  TRANSITION,  SUSTAINABILITY  &  CLEAN 

INDUSTRIES 

3.1.  Ports as enablers of the energy transition 

With around 40% of commodities handled being energy-related, ports are becoming strategic 
energy and industrial hubs.  

Electrification of ports: cornerstone of decarbonisation 

62%  of  surveyed  European  seaports  offering  onshore  power  at  one  or  more  berths21,  but 
progress is uneven22 and capacity constraints persist while demand is expected to increase23. 
The  Commission  will  continue  monitoring  of  Onshore  Power  Supply  (OPS)  deployment 
through  EMSA  and  the  European  Alternative  Fuels  Observatory.  In  the  upcoming 
Electrification Action Plan, the Commission will introduce new measures to support port 
electrification.  In  addition,  the  Commission  will  promote  greater  transparency  for  OPS 
pricing, and better forecasting of demand.  

As  electricity  demand  in  ports  grows,  sufficient  grid  capacity  will  be  key.  Member  States 
should  support  non-wire  technologies  and  smart-grid  solutions,  digitalised  procedures 
and better utilisation of existing grid assets. Furthermore, especially for small and medium 
ports,  demand  management  solutions  should  be  promoted.  The  revised  TEN-E  proposal24, 
together with the TEN-T Regulation support the development of port infrastructure, and the 
integration  of  offshore  renewable  energies.  Member  States  should  strengthen  synergies 
between  the  TEN-T  and  TEN-E  and  other  electricity  network  planning,  especially  for 
offshore  renewable  energy  corridors.  The  upcoming  Offshore  network  development  plans 
(ONDPs)  should  in  this  context  include  onshore  needs,  which  also  should  be  reflected  in 
national network development plans on transmission and distribution levels.  

Permitting and accelerated grid connections 

Offshore  wind  and  floating  installations  require  larger  and  reinforced  port  facilities  for 
assembly,  storage  and  deployment,  more  physical  space  and  better  grid  connection.  The 
European Grids Package25 and the Guidance on efficient and timely grid connections26 
will speed up connections to the grid for viable projects, including in ports of all sizes. The 
T-MED  Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy and  Clean  Tech  Cooperation will 
support sustainable energy connectivity among Mediterranean ports. A new platform for EU 

21 ESPO, Environmental Report 2025 - EcoPorts inSights 2025. 
22 mainly low voltage OPS, while high voltage OPS for larger ships remains scarce. 
23 https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2833/7036399.  
24 COM(2025) 1006 final. 
25 The “European Grids Package”, COM(2025) 1005 final. 
26 Commission Notice “Guidance on efficient and timely grid connections” (C/2025/6703). 

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distribution  network  planning  and  a  dialogue  with Transmission  System  Operators  (TSOs), 
Distribution System Operators (DSOs), and national regulatory authorities, will address best 
practices for sequencing grid build-out, including specific working groups with network users, 
including ports on grid planning. In their case-by-case assessments, Member States should 
also  presume27,  that  electricity  transmission  and  distribution  infrastructure,  including 
OPS in ports are of overriding public interest, thus simplifying the deployment of grids 
in port areas. 

Ports as multi-fuel production and supply hubs 

The  EU  regulatory  framework28  and  the  Sustainable  Transport  Investment  Plan  underscore 
ports’  role  for  rolling  out  clean  fuels.  While  a  multi-fuel  approach  ensures  flexibility  and 
resilience, uncertain demand for fuels delays investment and thus is it important to match these 
two market forces. While Fuel EU Maritime and the measures promoted in the EU Industrial 
Maritime  Strategy  look  into  the  demand  aspect,  for  the  supply  side,  the  Commission  will 
consider,  in  the  context  of  the  upcoming  Energy  Union  Package,  how  to  promote  the 
availability  of  sustainable  fuels  in  ports.  The  upcoming  revision  of  the Alternative  Fuels 
Infrastructure  Regulation29,  will  consider  measures  to  accelerate  the  deployment  of 
alternative  fuels  infrastructure  for  shipping.  In  parallel,  renewable  and  low  carbon 
bunkering rules should be harmonised across the EU aligned with the EU Renewable Energy 
Directive  to  avoid  discrepancies  and  distort  competition  within  the  EU  internal  market. 
Together with an effective Union Database, international shipping companies will be able to 
trace renewable and low-carbon fuels, enabling a robust EU-wide certification and traceability 
system that effectively mitigates risks of irregularities and fraud. 

The Pact for the Mediterranean will contribute to the uptake of low-carbon and renewable fuel 
for maritime transport, while safeguarding the competitiveness of EU ports. Significant and 
dedicated resources for financing decarbonisation can be mobilised through the EU Emissions 
Trading System (ETS) revenues auctioned by EU Member States following the extension of 
the system to maritime. As Member States are legally required to use revenues from the EU 
ETS  for  investment  in  climate  measures,  the  Commission  strongly  encourages  Member 
States to allocate a part of ETS revenues to maritime decarbonisation investments across the 
maritime  cluster  in  Europe30.To  maximise  impact  and  achieve  synergy  effects  at  EU  level, 
including between shipowners, shipyards, technology and fuel suppliers and port stakeholders, 
the  Commission  will  coordinate  Member  States’  efforts  and  facilitate  exchange  of  best 
practices, including possibly through guidelines. 

To guide investment planning, the Renewable and Low-Carbon Fuels Alliance (RLCF) will, 
by  the  end  of  2026,  assess  infrastructure  capacity  and  future  needs  for  the  supply  of 
renewable  and  low-carbon  fuels  in  and  to  ports.  Furthermore,  the  RLCF  will  encourage 
discussions between shipowners, the sustainable fuels industry and financial institutions with 
a  view  to  advancing  the  production  and  supply  of  renewable  and  low-carbon  fuels  in  the 

27 COM(2025) 1007 final. 
28  Including  the  Alternative  Fuels  Infrastructure  Regulation,  the  FuelEU  Maritime  Regulation,  inclusion  of 
maritime transport in the EU ETS, as well as the TEN-T and TEN-E Regulation. 
29 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1804/oj  
30 Such as production and uptake of sustainable fuels, improvement of the energy efficiency of ships, fleet renewal, 
investments in innovative clean marine technologies, and sustainable infrastructure and OPS in ports. 

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waterborne sector. Ports can be vital for hydrogen valleys31 with cross-border hydrogen import 
terminals  included  under  TEN-E.  The  Commission,  under  the  Clean  Hydrogen  Joint 
Undertaking,  will  commission  a  study  in  early  2026  to  underpin  the  Commission’s 
activities in the Hydrogen Global Ports Coalition under the Clean Energy Ministerial. 

Industrial clusters & energy sharing in port areas 

Ports  are  key  enablers  of  Europe’s  clean-energy-based  industry.  However,  fragmented 
planning,  limited  coordination  between  ports  and  with  industrial  clusters,  together  with 
uncertainty over future energy infrastructure demand can slow investment and reduce system 
efficiency. The  Commission  calls  on  Member  States  to  support  structured  cooperation 
between ports and local industrial clusters, promoting deployment of renewables, energy 
sharing,  reuse  of  waste  heat,  storage  solutions  and  the  development  of  port-centred  energy 
communities and integration with local heating and cooling networks. The Commission will 
support partnerships with ports, local authorities and industrial clusters. The LIFE Clean 
Energy Transition sub-programme will finance projects promoting local energy cooperation, 
and ports can apply to calls for proposals planned for spring 2026 and 2027. 

The  Commission  encourages  closer  cooperation  between  ports,  energy  companies,  grid 
operators and local authorities and is ready to provide informal guidance on antitrust issues32, 
taking account of the Commission’s Guidelines on horizontal cooperation agreements33. The 
Commission  will  organise  a  series  of  targeted  workshops  for  ports,  on  the  practical 
application  of  key  EU  energy  legislation,  the  integration  of  renewables,  energy  efficiency, 
green hydrogen and alternative fuels34 and on deploying offshore and net-zero technologies, 
including CO₂ management and storage. 

3.2. 

Strengthen environmental sustainability and simplify permitting procedures 

Ports  are  both  vital  economic  assets  and  environmentally  sensitive  areas35,  which  requires 
aligning competitiveness with environmental protection and decarbonisation. The EU’s legal 
framework36 pursues  this  balance,  including  by  envisaging  specific  flexibilities  in  cases  of 
overriding  public  interest.  Further  EU  policies  support  pollution  reduction,  ecosystem 
restoration,  nature-based  solutions  and  the  sustainable  blue  economy. The  European  Ocean 
Pact37 and the Water Resilience Strategy recognise ports’ roles in protecting marine ecosystems 
together  with  the  Marine  Strategy  Framework  Directive  and  the  EU Taxonomy  Regulation 
framework38. As part of a broader push to boost competitiveness in the EU, the Commission 
will  undertake  several  actions  to  simplify  the  regulatory  burden  while  safeguarding 
environmental protection. The Commission will revise the Taxonomy Climate Delegated Act 

31 21 projects supported  since 2019 with EUR 253 million. Clean Hydrogen Partnership, Study on Hydrogen, 
Ports and Industrial Coastal Areas.  
32 This has been done in Case AT.40976 – APM Terminals, guidance letter dated 9.7.2025 (COM/2025/4523 final). 
33 (2023/C 259/01). 
34 Including biofuels and renewable fuels from non-biological origin (RFNBOs). 
35 https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2832/3479075.  
36 Built on the Habitats and Birds Directives, the Ambient Air Quality Directive, the Nature Restoration Regulation 
and complemented by the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.  
37 “The European Ocean Pact”, COM/2025/281 final. 
38 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2021/2139/oj (notably activity 6.16.). 

9 

 
 
 
 
to improve the usability of the Technical Screening Criteria and to simplify and update 
them to reflect policy, legislative and technological developments.  

The  proposed  Regulation  on  speeding-up  environmental  assessments39  will  accelerate 
assessments with digitalisation, reduced timelines, combined assessments and single points of 
contact.  Port  decarbonisation  projects  of  strategic  EU  relevance  can  benefit  from  tacit 
approval, and procedural and judicial prioritisation.  

The RESourceEU Action Plan support ports in becoming strategic hubs for circular activities 
such  as  large-scale  scrap-metal  or  composite  materials  recycling,  advanced  materials 
processing  and  recycling,  powered  by  clean  energy40.  With  the  transition  to  clean  fuels, 
hazardous waste streams change and require appropriate reception facilities. The revised Water 
Framework  Directive  (WFD)41  offers  Member  States  flexibilities  for  the  authorisation  for 
projects with short-term impacts or activities deteriorating the chemical status of water bodies 
without increasing overall pollution42. The Commission will issue further guidance on WFD 
permitting  in  2026.  Member  States  should  use,  where  relevant,  the  port  development-
related  provisions  under  the  WFD  and  ensure  a  timely  implementation  of  new 
environmental rules on sea pollution from shipping in ports.  

Member States are encouraged to address GHG emissions and air pollutants in ports in 
the  implementation  of  their  National  Energy  and  Climate  Plans  and  National  Air 
Pollution  Control  Programmes.  Identifying  and  assessing  sources  of  emissions  and  other 
pollutants  is  challenging  due  to  the  complexity  of  port  activities43.  EU-funded  projects 
highlighted  the  need  for  an  agreed  approach,  common  methodology  and  application.  The 
Commission  will  aim  for  more  consistent  emission  measuring  and  reporting  in  ports, 
supported by further research and innovation.  

Flagship Action 

•  Accelerate permit-granting procedures and provide faster assessment procedures for 
strategic  energy,  recycling  and  decarbonisation  port-related  projects  through  the 
European Grids Package and the Environmental Omnibus. 

•  Accelerate port electrification, provide timely and non-discriminatory access to the 

grids.  

•  Promote  partnerships  for  energy  cooperation  in  and  around  port  areas  for 

sustainable use of energy, including hydrogen. 

4.  PROTECT & SECURE PORTS 

4.1. 

Internal security 

The  shifting  geopolitical  landscape  has  amplified  terrorism,  sabotage,  organised  crime  and 
corruption, and given rise to cyber/hybrid threats as well as airborne and water drones across 
Europe. A growing range of sabotage and hybrid actions below the threshold of armed attack 
by Russia increasingly displays characteristics comparable to state-sponsored terrorism. The 
Baltic Sea region and its ports remain particularly exposed to Russian hybrid warfare activities. 

39 COM(2025) 0391 final. 
40 RESourceEU Action Plan, COM(2025) 945 final. 
41 http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2000/60/oj  
42 For example, relocation of already polluted water or sediments.  
43 Lack of data on air quality: https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/publications/maritime-transport-2025.  

10 

 
 
 
 
EU  and  national  legal  frameworks  for  combating  terrorism  and  hybrid  warfare  should  be 
systematically  used,  and  where  appropriate  reviewed44.  Cooperation  between  relevant 
authorities is  needed  to  further  strengthen  the  fight  against  the  circumvention  of  restrictive 
measures and support effective EU responses.  

The  Commission  will  update  existing  guidance  on  maritime  security  legislation  to 
adequately cover all relevant threats, including cyber and hybrid threats, illicit trafficking 
and malicious use of non-military drones, assisted by agencies such as the European Maritime 
Safety Agency (EMSA) and the EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). To ensure security 
of  ports  at  global  level  against  such  threats,  the  Commission  will  work  with  the  EU 
Member  States  towards  updated  international  guidance  within  the  International 
Maritime  Organization  (IMO).  Better  data  collection  and  analysis  is  needed  to  address 
terrorists  and  organised  crime  risks  on  trafficking  via  passenger  terminals  and  commercial 
maritime transport. Port workers must be better trained and protected as partners in the fight 
against organised crime, measures, cyber and hybrid threats.  

The ProtectEU: European internal security strategy45 underlines how ports have become 
prime  targets  for  external  threats  and  foresees  maritime  security  to  address  drones  and 
sabotages  on  undersea  cables  and  to  improve  port  and  supply  chain  security,  including 
neighbouring  countries.  The  EU  Maritime  Security  Strategy  addresses  resilience  and 
protection  of  ports  as  critical  maritime  infrastructure.  To  tackle  criminal  infiltration,  the 
Commission will in 2026 present an EU anti-corruption strategy, building on the Directive 
on combating corruption. 

The  European  Ports  Alliance  combats  drug  trafficking  and  organised  crime  by  bringing 
together law enforcement, customs, port authorities and industry. It strengthens port resilience 
through cooperation, best-practice sharing and identifying operational gaps. Building on this 
work, the Commission will propose an EU framework for background checks for port 
workers. Security efforts will also be extended to inland ports, including those not covered 
by the ISPS Code, in cooperation with river commissions. The Commission will publish 
best practices to prevent drug trafficking and explore further cooperation with candidate 
countries. 

Prevention and detection of cargo contamination and criminal infiltration need to be tackled 
already  at  departing  non-EU  ports.  This  requires  regional  frameworks  to  be  developed 
jointly by the Commission and the EEAS to cooperate with third countries in improving 
ports security, based on shared responsibility, and where possible supported by Global 
Gateway or other cooperation instruments. In this context, targeted assessments of high-
risk third-country ports will be performed to identify and remedy security gaps, improve 
the  exchange  of  information  and,  where  serious  deficiencies remain unaddressed, 
foresee possible responses. This system can contribute to building a trusted partnership with 
third countries in fighting security threats in ports.  

Greater  alignment  of  customs  controls  across  EU  ports  together  with  better  security 
protocols worldwide, can protect EU parties and critical infrastructure, through instruments 

44 Communication on the EU’s eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine COM(2026) 82 final 
45 COM/2025/148 final. 

11 

 
 
 
 
such  as  “Do  Not  Load”.  The  Commission  will  work  on  public-private  information 
exchange  between  customs  and  maritime  logistics  companies  on  drug  trafficking  and 
illicit  trade.  In  addition,  the  Commission  stands  ready  to  assess  the  extent  to  which 
antitrust  instruments  may  support  the  application  of  the  guidance  or  best  practices 
developed by the European Ports Alliance.  Under the EU Customs  Reform  Proposal,  the 
new EU Customs Authority and the EU Customs Data Hub will enable customs to perform 
EU-level  risk  analysis  and  address  international  supply  chains,  including  e-commerce,  by 
customs and other law enforcement bodies, through effective controls and conformity checks.  

In  addition,  the  Commission  supports  Member  States  in  implementing  robust  sanitary  and 
phytosanitary  (SPS)  measures  in  ports.  The  Commission  is  committed  to  enhance  these 
mechanisms  and  calls  on  Member  States  to  reinforce  and  improve  control  measures  on 
imported goods. Member States should prioritise the implementation of maritime security 
legislation,  adopt  best  practices  shared  within  European  Ports Alliance  Public  Private 
Partnership to combat organised crime (including drug trafficking) and corruption, and 
tackle  port  security  in  its  entirety,  ensuring  sufficient  security  staffing  and  essential 
investments.  

4.2.  Build up the resilience and preparedness of ports and logistics networks 

Climate  change  hazards,  such  as  sea  level  rise,  coastal  storms  and  droughts  as  well  as 
environmental degradation lead to increased risks of floods and saline intrusion, impacting the 
navigability, the state of port infrastructure, and the reliability, efficiency and safety of port and 
docks  operations.  To  support  Member  States  on  preparedness  and  resilience  planning,  the 
Commission will put forward a European Integrated Framework for Climate Resilience 
in 2026. 

Member States are obliged to adopt and implement national adaptation strategies and plans46. 
Given  their  vulnerability  and  strategic  importance,  ports  should  develop  own  climate 
resilience  plans.  These  plans  should  also  help  counter  environmental  degradation.  Climate 
proofing guidelines for infrastructure and “climate resilience by design” principles should be 
applied,  when  constructing  new  or  refurbishing  existing  ports,  and  for  infrastructural  and 
operational  development  of  interfaces  to  the  logistics  networks.  The  exchange  of  best 
practices  on  climate  resilience  action  in  ports,  will  be  facilitated  within  the  European 
Maritime Space.  

Accidents  and  malevolent  events  are  a  significant  threat  to  EU  infrastructure. A  transport 
network is only as strong as its weakest link, therefore sufficient redundancy and alternative 
connections  in  the  TEN-T  network  are  critical  to  protect  supply  chains,  prevent  systemic 
economic shocks and ensure military mobility and defence readiness. To protect ports against 
natural and human-made hazards, Member States should include ports when implementing 
the  Directive  on  the  resilience  of  critical  entities  (CER  Directive)47.  The  upcoming 
guidelines for critical entities will facilitate their protection and the safety of personnel. In line 
with  the  Preparedness  Union Strategy,  authorities  should  promote  a  high  level  of  risk 

46 Article 5(4) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1119, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1119/oj . 
47 http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2022/2557/oj  

12 

 
 
 
 
awareness  among  communities  located  near  port  areas  to  empower  residents  to  react  and 
respond effectively in the event of an incident.  

The  EMS  coordinator  will  facilitate  resilience  planning  for  maritime  and  hinterland 
connectivity  with  other  European  Transport  Corridor  Coordinators.  Member  States 
should furthermore prioritise interoperability of ports within the EU rail system as well 
as the achievement of a “Good Navigation Status” by 2030 for inland waterways. This will 
tackle  the  resilience  of  the  inland  waterways,  rail  capacity  constraints,  terminal  and  border 
bottlenecks and poor coordination among infrastructure managers.  

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) jamming and spoofing are increasingly witnessed 
in the Baltic Sea, Black Sea and Mediterranean and can lead to collisions at sea or in ports. The 
recent Galileo Open Service Navigation Message Authentication as well as a radiofrequency 
interference  monitoring  service,  foreseen  in  the  proposed  European  Competitiveness  Fund 
(ECF) help address this growing threat48. 

Member  States  should  ensure  that  critical  goods  are  handled  and  stored  in  line  with 
military mobility requirements, the EU stockpiling strategy49 and the Security of Supply 
regime introduced by the European Defence Industry Programme. Ports and in particular 
smaller ports are important for EU preparedness and should play important roles when Member 
States  optimise  mapping,  information  sharing  and  coordination  to  set  up  and  protect 
stockpiles and minimise disruptions. The Action plan on drone and counter-drone security50 
provides a toolbox, with stress testing of critical infrastructures, enhanced maritime domain 
awareness, and coordinated counter-drone preparedness.  

Member States should protect and strengthen vulnerable infrastructure, superstructure 
and  equipment  and  address  bottlenecks,  enhance  efforts  to  harden  their  critical 
infrastructure.  Member  States  should  ensure  sufficient  redundancy  and  capacity  to 
absorb short and medium-term disturbances in their logistic chain and supply of critical 
goods, allowing especially the most vulnerable military mobility nodes to reach adequate 
operational levels. 

4.3.  Digital autonomy for economic security 

Port  digital  systems,  traffic  management,  and  logistics  platforms  are  becoming  strategic 
infrastructure. Whoever controls the data also controls the flows. Data exchanges can reveal 
commercially confidential information of port users and is often dependent on foreign hard- 
and software, with much of the bloc’s data stored outside the EU. Criminals and unfriendly 
State  actors  are  increasingly  exploiting  the  inherent  vulnerabilities  of  digital  systems  and 
processes for drug trafficking and cyberattacks.  

While cybersecurity issues require dedicated action, the EU  must step up and secure digital 
sovereignty  over  the  data  that  underpin  civil  and  military  transport.  This  implies  secure 
automation solutions, cloud and computing infrastructure, the use of AI and next generation 
connectivity (5G/6G, GNSS) to avoid any form of coercion due to its unique ability to meet 

48 Space-based Earth-Observation systems such as Copernicus can contribute to the monitoring of the security of 
ports. 
49 COM(2025) 528 
50 COM(2026) 81 final. 

13 

 
 
 
 
stringent requirements in terms of short latency and high throughput to support mission-critical 
services.  

The EU also needs trained operators and workers, conscious of their vital role in ensuring the 
EU’s  critical  infrastructure  networks  function  as  it  should.  Together  with  the  Industrial 
Maritime Strategy, a new focus on digital autonomy will offer EU businesses and entrepreneurs 
opportunities  to  develop  and  deploy  tomorrow’s  digital  solutions  to  detect  and  counteract 
criminal activities. 

To  reinforce  the  digital  autonomy  for  ports  under  the  current  Multiannual  Financial 
Framework, the Commission will support research and development initiatives to secure 
data exchanges and data storage for ports and stakeholders along multimodal logistics 
chains. Together with Member States, transport, logistics and the IT industry, the Commission 
will promote and support solutions towards EU sovereignty over data underpinning its 
vital civil and military transport and seek cooperation with likeminded countries.  

4.4.  Cybersecurity 

Ports’ complex infrastructure and growing digitalisation create significant cybersecurity51 risks 
for supply chains and critical EU infrastructure, including concerns over high-risk suppliers 
controlling key system. The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) Cyber Risk 
Management  for  Ports  guidelines52  and  the  European  Maritime  Safety  Agency  (EMSA) 
Guidance  on  addressing  cybersecurity  onboard  ships53,  support  implementation.  The 
Commission  will  continue  cooperating  with  the  IMO  to  advance  harmonised  global 
cybersecurity standards for the maritime sector through a non-mandatory Cyber Code. 
ENISA will update the Cyber Risk Management for Ports guidelines with state-of-the-art 
measures and the latest EU policy developments such as the NIS2 Directive). 

Together with the NIS Cooperation Group and ENISA, the Commission will conduct a Union-
level coordinated cyber security risk assessment on ports, to identify cybersecurity risks 
and  recommend  mitigation  measures.  In  the  revision  of  the  Cybersecurity  Act,  the 
Commission proposes a trusted ICT supply chain security framework. Based on the Union-
level  security  risk  assessment,  this  would  allow  for  proportionate  restrictions  on  high-risk 
suppliers  in  our  critical  infrastructure.  The  Commission  will  carry  out  coordinated 
preparedness testing and drilling exercises at ports on specific cybersecurity risk scenarios. 

To  exchange  best  practices  and  information,  the  Commission  stands  ready  to  work  with 
Member States in a specific forum for Member States’ cybersecurity and maritime/port 
authorities,  based  on  the  NIS  Cooperation  Group  established  pursuant  to  Article  14  of 
Directive  (EU)  2022/2555.  This  could  cover  cyber  threats,  incidents,  vulnerabilities,  near 
misses,  awareness-raising,  training,  exercises  and  skills,  capacity  building,  standards  and 
technical specifications with special attention to small and medium-sized ports. Participation 
of ENISA, EMSA and relevant stakeholders and coordination with public-private partnerships, 
such as the European Maritime Information Sharing Analysis Centre (EM-ISAC) and regional 
initiatives such as the Black Sea Maritime Security Hub will be sought. The digital omnibus 

51 Maritime cybersecurity is covered by the NIS2 Directive and the Cyber Solidarity Act and at international level 
through the IMO’s ISPS Code. 
52 https://www.enisa.europa.eu/publications/guidelines-cyber-risk-management-for-ports . 
53 https://www.emsa.europa.eu/publications/inventories/download/7660/5074/23.html  

14 

 
 
 
 
package proposes to establish a single-entry point for obligatory reporting of cyber security 
incidents. 

Flagship Actions 

•  Update existing guidance on port security to adequately cover all relevant threats. 
•  Develop regional frameworks jointly with the EEAS to cooperate with third countries 
in improving ports security and work on greater alignment of customs controls across 
EU ports together with better security protocols worldwide. 

•  Propose an EU framework for background checks for port workers. 
•  Create a forum for  Member States’ cybersecurity and maritime/port authorities to 

exchange information and best practices. 

•  Carry  out  Union-level  coordinated  security  risk  assessment  to  identify  the 

cybersecurity risks and recommend appropriate measures to mitigate them. 

5.  ACCESS TO FINANCE & INVESTMENT 

Only  a  mix  of  EU,  national  and  private  funding,  supported  by  predictable  regulatory 
frameworks and de-risking tools, will address the challenges and evolving roles that ports face. 
Stakeholders have provided estimates of investment needs54, based on increased trade flows, 
decarbonisation efforts, increasing vessel size, and sustainability and resilience needs. Funding 
bottlenecks  include  access  to  secure funding, rising costs and lengthy and costly permitting 
procedures.  

Public funding, in line with State aid rules where applicable, reduces risks for private investors, 
enabling projects with significant public value, addressing societal challenges. However, public 
funding is limited and must be targeted to maximise its impact (see Annex 1 for funding 
principles).  

The EU supported port projects on energy, sustainability, connectivity, innovation and other 
aspects  under  several  instruments  since  2014,  with  approximately  EUR  10  billion  for 
deployment  and more than EUR 200 million  for R&I, including  CEF,  ERDF  and Cohesion 
Programmes,  Horizon  2020  and  Horizon  Europe55.  The  Commission  will  also  prioritise 
support to the development of OPS in ports, in a 2026 CEF call.  

Under  the  next  Multiannual  Financial  Framework  (2028-34),  a  number  of  instruments  can 
support investments  in  ports:  the proposed  European Competitiveness  Fund (ECF)  could 
include  investments  in  clean,  secure,  dual-use,  multimodal  and  sovereign  digitalised 
infrastructure,  superstructure  and  equipment  in  ports,  including  charging  infrastructure  and 
blue  tech. The  Connecting  Europe  Facility  2028-2034  (CEF3),  with  a  proposed  transport 
budget of EUR 51.5 billion, will be a key EU instrument, with ports as part of cross-border 

54 ESPO estimates EUR 80 billion: https://www.espo.be/media/ESP-3217_InvestmentStudyReport2024_LR.pdf  
55 CEF-T (EUR 3.9 billion), CEF-E (EUR 856 million), ERDF and Cohesion Fund programmes (EUR 3.7 billion), 
Innovation Fund (EUR 870 million), Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe (EUR 218 million). InvestEU leveraged 
EUR 200m in ports, plus EUR 730m on digital and CCS relevant for ports. The Recovery and Resilience Facility 
(RRF) is providing significant support in some Member States to projects on onshore power supply and greening 
of ports.  

15 

 
 
 
 
 
connectivity  funding  priorities56.  The  future  Horizon  Europe  2028-2034  should  support 
innovation in ports. 

Under the proposed Regulation governing the National and Regional Partnership Plans, one 
of  the  specific  objectives  includes  measures  enhancing  Union  transport  infrastructure  and 
contributing to the completion of the TEN-T while decarbonising and improving connectivity, 
security and accessibility for remote, peripheral and less connected areas. With the available 
funds,  Member  States  and  regions  will  be  able,  depending  on  local  needs  and 
circumstances, to promote the development of their ports. 

As set out in the EU Industrial Maritime Strategy, the Innovation Fund, financed by the EU 
ETS, will open in 2027 a dedicated maritime call, which can also benefit projects in ports.  

The European Investment  Bank Group (EIB Group), has in  the period  2014-2025 provided 
support  to  projects  in  maritime  and  inland  ports  with  approx.  EUR  2.8  billion  from  own 
resources,  including  projects  on  climate  resilience,  decarbonisation,  cohesion,  innovation, 
digitalisation,  security  and  defence,  offshore  renewables  and  alternative  fuels57.  The 
Commission will request EIB Advisory to deliver capacity building support specifically 
for small and medium-sized TEN-T ports. Furthermore, the Commission will engage with 
National  Promotional  Banks  and  Institutions  and  private  financial  stakeholders  to 
identify additional financing solutions in line with the priorities, criteria and conditions set 
out in this strategy. 

The dynamic landscape of the global port industry is witnessing a shift beyond core business 
activities,  expanding  to  new  technologies  and  innovations  that  unlock  fresh  opportunities. 
Many ports are already successfully diversifying, yet there remains potential for further growth. 
EU ports should pursue forward-thinking, out-of-the box strategies, integrating cutting-
edge  technologies  and  innovative  sustainable  practices.  In  particular,  small  and  medium 
ports should seize business opportunities in the energy transition and digitalisation.  

6.  SOCIAL COHESION, SKILLS & QUALITY JOBS 

6.1. Ports as connectors 

Ports are vital enablers for the economic development, resilience, social and territorial cohesion 
of  arctic  and  coastal  areas,  islands  and  outermost  regions  and  their  20  million  EU  citizens. 
Industrial development and innovative maritime clusters in ports improve the local economy, 
while waterfront public and private spaces increase the attractiveness of cities. This may result 
in competition for space and a negative environmental impact in densely populated areas.  

The  Commission  will  continue  to  support  territorial  cohesion  and  the  connectivity  of 
islands  and  outermost  regions,  notably  the  ones  with  demographic  challenges,  through 
Cohesion policy funding and the Connecting Europe Facility for Transport (CEF-T) and invites 
Member States to support infrastructure, clean energy and fuel, safety, and sustainability 
improvements  for  small  and  medium  sized-ports,  notably  on  islands,  in  remote  and 
outermost  regions.  The  Commission  will  include  policy  measures  to  strengthen  the 
economic,  environmental  and  social  contributions  of  ports  to  local  communities  in  the 

56 CEF 2028-2034 proposed budget EUR 29.9 million for specific objectives on energy, (COM (2025) 547).  
57 https://www.eib.org/en/products/index: What we offer. 

16 

 
 
 
 
the  upcoming  Coastal  Communities  Strategy  and  Island  Strategy 
framework  of 
Communications. Port-city interactions require balancing economic, environmental and social 
factors. The Commission will strengthen dialogues and support the development of best 
practices and guidance on enhancing port-city relations58. Furthermore, the Commission 
proposes a new roadmap for competitive small and medium-sized ports. 

6.2 A skilled workforce and safe working conditions in EU ports 

A skilled and continuously trained workforce is critical to delivering the fair, clean and digital 
transitions  in  ports  and  associated  blue  economy  activities,  including  in  local  communities 
around  ports. A  new  Blue  Generational  Renewal  Strategy  under  the  European  Ocean  Pact, 
planned  for  2027,  will  help  develop  a  skilled  next-generation  workforce  across  all  blue 
economy sectors, including ports.  

Under  the  reinforced  Pact  for  Skills,  announced  in  the  Union  of  Skills,  the  Commission 
encourages the social partners, ports and other stakeholders, including relevant training 
centres, to establish a dedicated skills partnership for the ports sector to anticipate skills 
needs, address shortages, promote upskilling and reskilling initiatives59 and inclusive access to 
quality jobs, in particular for women and young people. The maritime industry, including ports, 
are invited to cooperate with the large-scale partnership for the digital ecosystem in the 
Pact for Skills in order to support digital upskilling in the ports sector, and to submit pledges 
under  the  Cybersecurity  Skills  Academy  and  use  the  European  Cybersecurity  Skills 
Framework  (ECSF)  tool  for  port  professionals.  Complementary  actions  under  the  EU 
Industrial Maritime Strategy to make careers in the maritime transport cluster more attractive 
and promote mobility between sea- and shore-based roles are also highly relevant for the ports 
sector.  

The  EU  acquis  on  occupational  safety  and  health  (OSH)  applies  to  ports.  Furthermore, 
strengthening cooperation between national port authorities, labour inspectorates and maritime 
safety agencies, including cross-border cooperation with the support of the European Labour 
Authority, is key to protect workers.  

Recent amendments60 have furthermore clarified the application of maritime transport accident 
investigation  rules  relating  to  port  workers  on  board  of  ships.  The  Directive  on  Port  State 
Control61, provides for a system of targeted compliance spot checks of vessels calling to EU 
ports. To further enhance safety, and with the involvement of social partners, the Commission 
will prepare guidance on the application of maritime safety legislation to port workers on 
board  ships.  The  EU  will  support  further  research  and  guidance  on  the  safe  handling  of 
alternative, renewable, low- and zero-carbon fuels in the port area under Horizon Europe 
and  the  Commission  will  prepare  guidance  and  training  material  on  safe  handling  of 
alternative fuels in ports.  

58 Through the EU Mission Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, the EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters, the 
European Ocean Pact, the Coastal Communities Strategy, the source-to sea angle of the Water Resilience Strategy. 
EU  urban  initiatives,  such  as  the  Green  City Accord  and  the  Covenant  of  Mayors  encourage  the  pursuit  of 
ambitious environmental and climate-related goals in port cities. 
59 Building on initiatives such as the Council Recommendation on a fair transition towards climate neutrality, the 
Net Zero Industry Act (including net zero academies) and the Quality Jobs Roadmap. 
60 http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/3017/oj  
61 http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/3099/oj  

17 

 
 
 
 
The EU will continue to promote high safety and labour standards, social dialogue and good 
practices, including in international fora. Member states are encouraged to support safety 
and  sustainability62  improvements  in  ports  and  ensure  implementation  and  respect  of 
Union and national labour legislation and collective bargaining agreements. 

Flagship Actions 
•  Support small and medium-sized ports with a specific roadmap (Annex 2). 
•  Support the development of a skilled next-generation workforce across all blue economy 
sectors, including ports, through actions under the Blue Generational Renewal Strategy. 
•  Support social partners and relevant stakeholders to establish a Pact for Skills for the 

ports sector on upskilling, reskilling and inclusion of workers. 

•  Prepare guidance on the application of maritime safety legislation to port workers on 

board ships. 

•  Prepare guidance on safe handling of alternative fuels in ports. 

7.  CONCLUSION 

This strategy highlights the vital role of ports for the EU economy and our society. It sets out a 
framework to future-proof the EU ports sector, improve its competitiveness, and expand ports’ 
role for society in a secure, safe and sustainable way, and increase resilience, military mobility 
and  cyber  and  economic  security.  The  Commission  is  committed  to  ensuring  its  effective 
implementation and the achievements of its objectives jointly with all the above stakeholders. 
To this end, the Commission will launch a high-level Maritime Industries and Ports Board 
chaired by the responsible Commissioner and EVPs with a view to have a continued exchange 
on the implementation  of the  actions outlined in  both  EU Industrial Maritime and Ports 
strategies and to collect feedback on developments in the market. 

62 Including Directive 2012/18/EU (Seveso), Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX). Directive 1999/92/ EC (safety and 
health protection of workers), Directive (EU) 2024/1788 (Gas and Hydrogen package). 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ANNEX 1: Funding principles63 
A)  Common principles for EU port projects in all relevant EU funding streams:  

•  Public funding should focus on attaining the highest and most catalytic impact on 

public and societal challenges in line with applicable State aid rules.  

•  Grants should only be awarded to projects of clear public interest, leveraging and de-

risking private investments. 

•  Public priorities should include the resilience of critical supply and logistics chains, 
connectivity, the provision of green fuels, on-shore power supply and charging, port 
electrification  and  grid  connections,  green  infrastructure  and  sustainable  port 
operations, dual-use capabilities and physical and digital port security, fighting crime 
and  drug  trafficking,  creating  employment  opportunities  in  coastal  communities, 
circular economy, reduction of waste, and recycling. 

•  Particular  attention  should  be  paid,  across  islands,  coastal  and  outermost  regions, 
depending on their needs, to small and medium sized ports and especially in terms of 
improving safety, electrification and access to grids. 

•  The  development  of  EU  solutions  should  be  prioritised  and  their  deployment 

increased.  

•  Creating a resilient port network of ports, able to ensure critical supply and logistic 
chains, military mobility, and connectivity, including islands and outermost regions 
and protecting EU sea ports from international threats. 

•  EU  ports  directly  exposed  to  unfair  competition  from  third  country  ports  should 

benefit from funding for green infrastructure and port equipment.  

•  Public funding for entities within EU ports directly or indirectly controlled by third 
country interests should be screened closely in cases linked to EU security. and public 
order interests including critical or dual use infrastructures. 

•  Solutions should be incentivised to support innovation and resilience in the EU, and 

synergies between sectors should be explored.  

•  Potential security benefits of relying on technology and service providers from within 

the EU or from like-minded countries should be considered.  

•  Solutions proposed by actors in enlargement countries should be considered as part 

of the wider EU-supply chain. 

B)  Guiding principles for support to port projects in third countries: 

•  Focus  on  mutually  beneficial  partnerships,  where  priorities  are  shared,  such  as 
implementing  common  standards,  capacity  building  on  regulatory  measures, 
expanding  clean  fuel  infrastructure,  protecting  the  environment,  biodiversity  and 
climate, enlargement priorities, maritime and port safety and security, and combating 
drug  and  human  trafficking  and  other  types  of  illegal  or  illicit  use  of  port 
infrastructure.  Ensure  fair  competition,  respect  of  human  rights,  social  and 
environmental  standards,  climate  protection,  as  well  as  safety  and  security 
requirements are respected. 

63  This Annex  is  without  prejudice  to  the  legislative  procedures  as  regards  the  adoption  of  the  Multiannual 
Financial Framework 2028-2034. 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•  Safeguard EU competitiveness (including a competitiveness check to assess financial 
support to port projects that would negatively impact on activities in EU ports within 
300 nautical miles). 

•  Benefit EU policy goals related to connectivity and trade, import/export of critical 
raw materials or renewable fuels, and other goods of critical importance for the EU 
economy. 

•  Ensure relevant international agreements between the EU and third countries contain 
fair market access conditions for port and terminal services and to concessions for 
the provision of those services, with clear mechanisms to follow their application. 

•  Support adherence to ambitious binding international agreements in IMO. 

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ANNEX 2: A new roadmap for competitive small and medium-sized 
ports  

Small, medium-sized and island ports are an important part of the European port system with 
a  lot  of  potential.  They  support  coastal  communities,  connectivity  and  territorial  cohesion, 
while  linking  regional  economies  and  contributing  to  Union  priorities  at  local  and  regional 
level. They also play a role in the Union’s strategic autonomy, notably in energy and critical 
supply  chains,  and  support  the  blue  economy,  including  fisheries,  as  well  as  important  and 
specialised market segments such as passenger transport, energy and offshore electricity. This 
strategy  therefore  gives  specific  attention  to  small  and  medium-sized  ports,  including  in 
relation  to  simplification,  innovation,  the  European  Maritime  Space,  electrification  and 
security.  The  Coastal  Communities  Strategy  will  further  support  the  competitiveness  and 
diversification of coastal regions, with particular emphasis on small ports. The Commission’s 
roadmap  on  the  energy  transition  of  EU  fisheries  and  aquaculture  will  also  address 
renewable  energy  use  in  small  ports  and  support  the  development  of  a  harmonised  EU 
methodology  to  measure  energy  consumption  and  emissions  in  ports. Targeted  support  and 
guidance will also be provided. 

➢  Specific funding priority, Cohesion policy funding and financial capacity building and 

project preparation by the EIB advisory hub.  

➢  Better support by Member States with the Decision on Services of General Economic 

Interest.  

➢  Promotion  of  electrification  of  industrial  sites  and  clusters  with  the  upcoming 

Electrification Action Plan. 

➢  Pilot  projects  on  integration  of  alternative  energy  sources  (potential  European 

Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture funding). 

➢  BlueInvest Platform for support to testing new technologies, market validation, technical 

assistance and fundraising. 

➢  Cybersecurity advice and capacity building. 
➢  Extending  the  Port  Alliance  to  share  best  practices  and  advice  on  fighting  drug 

trafficking and criminal activities. 

➢  The  upcoming  European  Maritime  Space  (EMS)  work  plan  will  address  the 
development  of  sustainable  and  green  short  sea  shipping  hubs  and  links,  collaboration 
between ports, with a focus on smaller ports.  

➢  The Action Plan on Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) for the period 2028-2034, will 

include specific actions to promote knowledge sharing and support inland ports.  

21 

 
 
 
 
 
ANNEX 3: Summary of actions and guidance 
Pillar I – STRENGTHEN COMPETITIVENESS, INNOVATION & 
DIGITALISATION 

The Commission will:  
➢  as of 2026, prioritise mutually beneficial initiatives in third country ports in line with 

clear guiding principles.  

➢  as  of  2026,  apply  the  principles  of  this  strategy  in  negotiations  on  international 

agreements and cooperation frameworks. 

➢  as of 2026, continue to pursue market access in free trade agreement negotiations and, 
together with the European External Action Service (EEAS), engage with third countries 
to promote fair investment conditions and access for EU businesses. 

➢  as of 2026, support the Member States in their efforts in international standardisation for 
a  through  a  new  workstream  on  Innovative  Ports  and Terminals  under  the  High-level 
Forum on European Standardisation. 

➢  by 2028, develop guidance for the Member States for assessing foreign investments in 
line  with  the  EU’s  international  commitments  and  a  framework  for  mapping 
and monitoring foreign investments in EU ports. 

➢  as of 2026, place stronger emphasis on the deployment beyond the pilot phase in future 

Horizon Europe initiatives, including the flagship topic “Ports of the Future”. 

➢  strengthen  technological  leadership  of  the  Union  in  the  use  of  alternative  fuels, 
electrification, design, retrofitting of equipment, energy efficiency and digitalisation, and 
include energy conversion systems, circularity, and digital solutions. 

➢  as of 2026, seek the reinforcement of public-private cooperation under the 2028-2034 

Horizon Europe Framework Programme in priority areas. 
➢  in 2026, strengthen rules on access to rail service facilities. 
➢  in  2028  propose  an Action  programme  on  Inland Waterway Transport  (IWT),  for  the 

period 2028-2034, focusing on inland ports. 

➢  by 2028, establish EU guidelines for efficient data sharing in the transport chain. 
➢  in 2027, where appropriate, also in light of the outcome of the public consultation, assess 
whether changing thresholds is necessary and provide further guidance, giving examples 
and  interpretative  clarifications  of  GBER  rules,  including  for  port  infrastructure 
investments. 

➢  in 2026, review the EU’s merger guidelines with a view to  provide clear and updated 
guidance on the application of EU merger rules to both horizontal and non-horizontal 
effects of mergers. 

The European coordinator for the European Maritime Space (EMS) will: 
➢  prioritise, in the upcoming EMS work plan, the development of sustainable and green 
short sea shipping hubs and links, promote collaboration between ports, with a focus on 
smaller ports, the upgrade of maritime infrastructure, and integration with rail and inland 
waterway transport. 

➢  facilitate resilience planning through workshops with other European Transport Corridor 
Coordinators to  explore contingency options for maritime and hinterland connectivity 
should major ports on key transport routes be disrupted. 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Member States are invited to:  
➢  play  a  leading  role  in  setting  global  technical  international  standards  in  relevant 

international fora, including ISO. 

➢  prevent, mitigate and tackle the risks associated with foreign ownership and control of 

strategic dual-use infrastructures and their related operations. 

➢  ensure the possibility of gaining temporary public control or right of use of strategic dual 

use infrastructure, assets or equipment under national law.  

➢  ensure  that  the  necessary  measures  of  the  Military  Mobility  Regulation  are  fully  and 

swiftly implemented, once adopted. 

➢  streamline planning and permitting procedures to allow a swift take-up of innovation in 

ports. 

➢  give higher priority to improving the availability and capacity of hinterland connections 

by rail and inland waterways. 

streamline land use planning and permitting procedures to allow a swift development of 
additional areas for port use. 
Sector stakeholders are encouraged to: 
➢  support  the  uptake  and  distribution  of  EU  funded  research,  share  best  practices  and 
developing  partnerships  and  new  business  models,  going  beyond  specific/local 
challenges  and  address  market  requirements  at  large,  including  those  of  small  and 
medium sized ports. 

Member States and stakeholders are invited to: 
➢  apply  the  guiding  principles  set  out  in  this  strategy  also  to  their  own  initiatives  and 

enhance general coordination and information exchange. 

➢  streamline planning and permitting procedures to allow a swift take -up of innovation in 

ports. 

➢  give higher priority to hinterland connections with rail and inland waterways. 
➢  aim  for  a  balance  between  return  on  investments  for  private  operators  and  suitable 
contractual obligations (duration, transparent and fair conditions for renewals, flexibility 
clauses) to ensure resilience, security, safety and reduction of emissions. 

Pillar II – ADVANCE ENERGY TRANSITION, SUSTAINABILITY & CLEAN 
INDUSTRIES 

The Commission will:  
➢  in  2026,  continue  monitoring  OPS  deployment  and  in  the  upcoming  Electrification 
Action Plan, introduce new measures to support port electrification and promote greater 
transparency of OPS pricing.  

➢  use the  opportunities  of  the implementation  of T-MED  to  support  sustainable  energy 

connectivity among Mediterranean ports  

➢  in  the  upcoming  Energy  Union  Package,  consider  how  to  promote  the  availability  of 

sustainable fuels in ports.  

➢  in  the  upcoming AFIR  revision,  consider  measures  to  accelerate  the  deployment  of 

alternative fuels infrastructure for shipping. 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
➢  coordinate  Member  States’  efforts  and  facilitate  exchange  of  best  practices,  including 

possibly through guidelines.  

➢  by  the  end  of  2026,  assess  infrastructure  capacity  and  future  needs  for  the  supply  of 

renewable and low-carbon fuels in and to ports through the RLCF Alliance.  

➢  in 2026, commission a study under the Clean Hydrogen JU, to support the Commission’s 

activities in the Hydrogen Global Ports Coalition. 

➢  as of 2026, support partnerships with ports, local authorities and industrial clusters.  
➢  encourages closer cooperation between ports, energy companies, grid operators and local 

authorities and is ready to provide informal guidance on antitrust issues.  

➢  by 2027, organise a series of targeted workshops for ports. 
➢  revise the Taxonomy Climate Delegated Act to improve the usability of the Technical 
Screening Criteria and simplify and update them to reflect relevant policy, legislative and 
technological developments. 

➢  aim for more consistent emission measuring and reporting in port areas.  

Member States are invited to:  
➢  support non-wire technologies and smart-grid solutions, digitalised procedures and better 

utilisation of existing grid assets. 

➢  promote demand management solutions, especially for small and medium ports.  
➢  strengthen synergies between TEN-T and TEN-E and other electricity network planning 
and in this context include onshore needs, as reflected in national network development 
plans in the upcoming Offshore Network Development Plans.  

➢  reflect in national procedures and in the case-by-case assessments the presumption of 
overriding public interest for electricity grid infrastructure, including OPS in ports. 
➢  allocate a part of EU ETS revenues to maritime decarbonisation investments across the 

maritime cluster in Europe. 

➢  support  structured  cooperation  between  ports  and  local  industrial  clusters  to  promote 
renewables, energy sharing, reuse of waste heat, storage solutions and the development 
of port-centred energy communities. 

➢  use, where relevant, the port development-related provisions under the Water Framework 
Directive  and  ensure a  timely implementation  of  new  environmental  rules  on  sea 
pollution from shipping in ports. 

➢  address emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants in ports in the implementation 
of  their  National  Energy  and  Climate  Plans  and  National  Air  Pollution  Control 
Programmes. 

Pillar III – PROTECT & SECURE PORTS 

The Commission will:  
➢  by 2027, update existing guidance on maritime security legislation to adequately cover 

all relevant threats. 

➢  by  end  2026,  work  with  the  EU  Member  States  towards  updated  international 

guidance within the International Maritime Organisation.  
➢  by the end of 2026, present an EU Anti-Corruption Strategy.  
➢  in 2027, propose an EU framework for background checks for port workers .  

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
➢  in 2027, extend security efforts to inland ports, including those not covered by the ISPS 

Code, in cooperation with river commissions.  
➢  in  2027, publish best  practices to prevent  drug 

cooperation with candidate countries. 

trafficking  and  explore  further 

➢  by 2027, develop regional  frameworks  jointly  with  the  EEAS  to  cooperate  with  third 
countries in improving ports security and work on greater alignment of customs controls 
across EU ports together with better security protocols worldwide.  

➢  by 2027, work on public-private two-way information exchange between customs and 

maritime logistics companies.  

➢  stand  ready  to  assess  the  extent  to  which  antitrust  instruments  may  support  the 
application of the guidance or best practices developed by the European Ports Alliance. 

➢  in 2026, put forward a European Integrated Framework for Climate Resilience.  
➢  as of 2026, support research and development initiatives to secure data exchanges and 

data storage for ports and stakeholders along multimodal logistics chains. 

➢  as  of  2026,  promote  and  support  solutions  towards  EU  sovereignty  over  data 
underpinning its vital civil and military transport and seek cooperation with likeminded 
countries. 

➢  in  2027, continue  cooperating  with  IMO  to  advance  harmonised  global  cybersecurity 

standards for the maritime sector through a non-mandatory Cyber Code.  
➢  by 2027 update ENISA’s Cyber Risk Management Guidelines for ports.  
➢  by  2027, carry  out  Union-level coordinated  security risk  assessment  to identify the 

cybersecurity risks and recommend appropriate mitigation measures. 

➢  by 2027, create a forum for Member States’ cybersecurity and maritime/port authorities 

to exchange information and best practices.  

Member States are invited to:  
➢  prioritise  the  implementation  of  the  maritime  security  legislation,  and  adopt  best 
practices shared within the European Ports Alliance Public-Private Partnership to combat 
organised  crime (incl. drug trafficking) and  corruption  and  tackle port  security in  its 
entirety. 

➢  prioritise interoperability of ports within the EU rail system as well as the achievement 

of a “Good Navigation Status” by 2030 for inland waterways. 

➢   include ports when implementing the  Directive  on  the  resilience  of  critical  entities 

(CER Directive). 

➢  ensure  that critical  goods are  handled and  stored in  line  with  military  mobility 
requirements, the EU stockpiling strategy and the Security of Supply regime introduced 
by the European Defence Industry Programme. 

➢  optimise mapping, information sharing and coordination to set up and protect stockpiles 

and minimise disruptions, considering specific roles for smaller ports. 

Member States and stakeholders are invited to: 
➢  develop climate resilience plans and exchange best practices on climate resilience action 

in ports.  

➢  protect  and  strengthen  vulnerable  infrastructure,  superstructure  and  equipment  and 

address bottlenecks, enhance efforts to harden their critical infrastructure. 

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
➢  ensure sufficient redundancy and capacity to absorb short and medium-term disturbances 
in  their  logistic  chain  and  supply  of  critical  goods,  allowing  especially  the  most 
vulnerable military mobility nodes to reach adequate operational levels. 

The EMS Coordinator will:  
➢  facilitate  resilience  planning for  maritime  and hinterland  connectivity with  other 

European Transport Corridor Coordinators.  

Pillar IV – ACCESS TO FINANCE & INVESTMENT  

The Commission will:  
➢  apply  the funding principles  developed in  the strategy across all funding  instruments, 
including relevant actions to support innovation in ports under Horizon Europe 2028-
2034. 

➢  prioritise support to the development of OPS in ports, in a 2026 CEF call. 
➢  make best use of available funding under the current MFF to support the priorities of the 

strategy. 

➢  request  EIB  Advisory,  through  JASPERS,  to  deliver  capacity  building  support 

specifically for small and medium-sized TEN-T ports. 

➢  engage  with  National  Promotional  Banks  and  Institutions  and  private  financial 
stakeholders to identify additional financing solutions for maritime and inland waterway 
ports and operators. 

The EIB is invited to: 
➢  continue  offering  financing  and  advisory  support  to  the  sector  and  stay  engaged  in 
dialogue with the Commission, Member States, co-financiers, and industry to advance 
the priorities of the strategy and improve access to funding and technical assistance for 
ports and businesses of  all sizes, notably to  smaller operators, ports and  SMEs in  the 
ports sector. 

Member States and regions are invited to:  
➢  depending on local needs and circumstances, promote the development of their ports. 

Industry stakeholders are invited to: 
➢  pursue forward-thinking, out-of-the box strategies, integrating cutting-edge technologies 

and innovative sustainable practices. 

Pillar V – SOCIAL COHESION, SKILLS & QUALITY JOBS  

The Commission will:  
➢  continue  to  support  territorial  cohesion  and  the  connectivity  of  islands  and  outermost 

regions, notably the ones with demographic challenges. 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
➢  in 2026, include policy measures to strengthen the economic, environmental and social 
contributions  of  ports  to  local  communities  in  the  upcoming  Island  and  Coastal 
Communities Strategies. 

➢  as  of  2026,  strengthen  dialogues  and  support  the  development  of  best  practices  and 

guidance on enhancing port-city relations. 

➢  in 2026, support small and medium-sized ports with a specific roadmap (Annex 2). 
➢  in 2026, publish an energy transition roadmap for EU fisheries and aquaculture.  
➢  in  2027,  help  develop  a  skilled  next-generation  workforce  across  all  blue  economy 
sectors, including ports, through actions under the Blue Generational Renewal Strategy. 
➢  by  2027,  prepare  guidance  on  the  application  of  maritime  safety  legislation  to  port 

workers on board ships. 

➢  as  of 2026, support further research  and guidance on the safe handling  of alternative, 

renewable and low- and zero-carbon fuels in the port area under Horizon Europe. 

➢  by 2027, prepare guidance and training material on the safe handling of alternative fuels.  

Member States are invited to:  
➢  support infrastructure, clean energy and fuel, safety and sustainability improvements for 
small and medium-sized ports, notably on islands, in remote and outermost regions. 
➢  support safety and sustainability improvements in ports and ensure implementation and 
respect of Union and national labour legislation and collective bargaining agreements. 

Social partners and other sector stakeholders are invited to:  
➢  establish a dedicated skills partnership for the ports sector to support the upskilling and 

reskilling and inclusion of workers. 

The maritime industry is invited to:  
➢  cooperate with the large-scale partnership for the digital ecosystem in the Pact for Skills 

in order to support digital upskilling in the ports sector. 

➢  submit  pledges  under  the  Cybersecurity  Skills  Academy  and  use  the  European 

Cybersecurity Skills Framework (ECSF) tool for port professionals. 

27