Stronger together
Investing in the right place
Working closely with German partners
Logistics is a global team sport
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‘Having efficient cross-border infrastructure is just as important as working more closely together on integrating our logistics systems and making them digital across national borders. That is the only way to ensure we remain efficient, sustainable and competitive in the long term,’ CEO Gülker continues. The fact that the coalition agreement explicitly states that a connection to European ports is needed, at least for hydrogen, is a good sign of that.
While we do work closely with federal states such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse and Saarland, we are viewed somewhat more sceptically in Berlin. All too often, the concept of logistics in Germany is still confined to its national borders. When it comes to seaports, they think of Hamburg and Bremerhaven, not Rotterdam and Antwerp. For large parts of the German economy, however, it is exactly those two seaports that are their gateway to the world. This usually has less to do with competition, and more with geography and the manner in which trade routes have developed over the centuries.
Logistics is an industry that is, by definition, cross-border: the Rhine connects the city of Rotterdam to key economic centres in Germany. As part of the External Affairs Team at the Port of Rotterdam Authority we have two colleagues who are exclusively responsible for strategic cooperation with politicians, administrations and industry associations in the federal states and Berlin. Not only are we closely following what is happening in German politics and society, we also make regular visits to Germany to represent the port and its interests. The port is also a member of some significant German industry associations, offering us some valuable networking opportunities.
That’s why we at the Port of Rotterdam Authority are keen to look to Berlin, and not just because of the close economic ties between Germany and the Netherlands. ‘As the world’s third-largest economy and being located in the heart of Europe, Germany is a major political player in the EU,’ says Günter Gülker, CEO of the German-Dutch Chamber of Commerce. ‘A strong Germany that is both economically and politically stable bolsters Europe’s relevance in a world where the geopolitical landscape is shifting. It is vital that we stand shoulder to shoulder with one of our closest neighbours: the Netherlands.’
Tough times for the new German government under the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats, and not just in the global arena. The grand coalition is expecting strong headwinds from the opposition in the Bundestag over the next few years. Germany isn’t immune from the wave of populism sweeping Europe at the moment, after a far-right party emerged as one of the victors of this year’s election, becoming the second-largest group in the country’s parliament. This comes at a time when Europe needs to stand together more than ever. With the US’s latest punitive tariffs and public attacks on heads of government, it should be clear that Europe can only respond to this as one.
Around 25% of all cargo that goes through the port of Rotterdam either comes from or is destined for Germany. For that reason, good relations with our neighbours are absolutely crucial.
Time for
Germany to deliver
Meanwhile in
Stronger together
Investing in the right place
Working closely with German partners
‘Having efficient cross-border infrastructure is just as important as working more closely together on integrating our logistics systems and making them digital across national borders. That is the only way to ensure we remain efficient, sustainable and competitive in the long term,’ CEO Gülker continues. The fact that the coalition agreement explicitly states that a connection to European ports is needed, at least for hydrogen, is a good sign of that.
While we do work closely with federal states such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse and Saarland, we are viewed somewhat more sceptically in Berlin. All too often, the concept of logistics in Germany is still confined to its national borders. When it comes to seaports, they think of Hamburg and Bremerhaven, not Rotterdam and Antwerp. For large parts of the German economy, however, it is exactly those two seaports that are their gateway to the world. This usually has less to do with competition, and more with geography and the manner in which trade routes have developed over the centuries.
Logistics is an industry that is, by definition, cross-border: the Rhine connects the city of Rotterdam to key economic centres in Germany. As part of the External Affairs Team at the Port of Rotterdam Authority we have two colleagues who are exclusively responsible for strategic cooperation with politicians, administrations and industry associations in the federal states and Berlin. Not only are we closely following what is happening in German politics and society, we also make regular visits to Germany to represent the port and its interests. The port is also a member of some significant German industry associations, offering us some valuable networking opportunities.
Logistics is a global team sport
That’s why we at the Port of Rotterdam Authority are keen to look to Berlin, and not just because of the close economic ties between Germany and the Netherlands. ‘As the world’s third-largest economy and being located in the heart of Europe, Germany is a major political player in the EU,’ says Günter Gülker, CEO of the German-Dutch Chamber of Commerce. ‘A strong Germany that is both economically and politically stable bolsters Europe’s relevance in a world where the geopolitical landscape is shifting. It is vital that we stand shoulder to shoulder with one of our closest neighbours: the Netherlands.’
Tough times for the new German government under the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats, and not just in the global arena. The grand coalition is expecting strong headwinds from the opposition in the Bundestag over the next few years. Germany isn’t immune from the wave of populism sweeping Europe at the moment, after a far-right party emerged as one of the victors of this year’s election, becoming the second-largest group in the country’s parliament. This comes at a time when Europe needs to stand together more than ever. With the US’s latest punitive tariffs and public attacks on heads of government, it should be clear that Europe can only respond to this as one.
Around 25% of all cargo that goes through the port of Rotterdam either comes from or is destined for Germany. For that reason, good relations with our neighbours are absolutely crucial.
Time for
Germany to deliver
Meanwhile in