In the further implementation of the strategy, ESPO will remain a key partner for EU institutions, acting as the first port of call for Europe’s seaport network. Port of Rotterdam, as an active ESPO member, continues to work closely with ESPO to ensure that the role of ports is firmly anchored in EU policy development across competitiveness, sustainability and security.

The EU Ports Strategy provides an overarching framework that links ports to a broad range of ongoing EU policy initiatives. By connecting competitiveness, sustainability and security, it firmly positions ports as strategic assets that must perform at the highest level.

Meeting all these challenges will require substantial investment in future-proof port infrastructure and efficient hinterland connections. ESPO emphasises that this should be a key priority in the upcoming EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034. According to the ESPO Port Investments Study (2024), European port authorities are planning investments up to around €80 billion  for the period 2024-2034 (this is not including the military investments) to adequately prepare for the future. As Isabelle Ryckbost concludes, “ports are not funded to make them wealthy, but to enable Europe to achieve its broader economic and societal goals.”

Security forms the third critical pillar of the EU Ports Strategy. Strengthening the resilience of ports is high on the agenda in Brussels. At the same time, Isabelle Ryckbost stresses the importance of carefully balancing a potential military function with ports’ core civilian roles in particular as multimodal logistic hub and supplier of energy. This dual function increases their strategic importance, hence the need to embrace and protect European ports.

Isabelle Ryckbost therefore advocates for a “place-based policy” for ports, tailored to the specific characteristics and needs of strategic port clusters. By addressing specific bottlenecks more effectively, EU policy can better leverage the pivotal role ports play in driving the transition towards a more sustainable European economy.

From ESPO’s perspective, ports must increasingly be treated as strategic locations where key projects tied to the energy and raw materials transition are concentrated. This calls for a more targeted EU policy approach that enables faster permitting procedures and accelerates sustainable investments in port areas. Within the broader context of EU policies on industrial decarbonisation, such an approach is seen as essential.

Isabelle Ryckbost (ESPO Secretary General)

According to Isabelle Ryckbost, it is encouraging that the Commission explicitly recognises how the role of ports has evolved over the years. Ports are no longer solely logistics hubs; they have become complex, multi-functional ecosystems, combining increasingly commercial roles with public interest responsibilities. This growing and changing role underscores the need for EU support, particularly in maintaining a stable and attractive investment climate. The strategy further emphasises the pivotal role of ports in Europe’s sustainability transition.

ESPO has been closely involved in shaping the strategy from the beginning. Initially launched by the European Parliament with a strong focus on strategic autonomy and security, the approach was later broadened by the European Commission to fully integrate competitiveness as a core pillar. The strategy, published in March 2026, reflects this broader approach to ports.