EU unveils new port strategy to boost competitiveness

The European Commission unveiled its new EU Port Strategy on 4 March, aiming to strengthen European ports by focusing on competitiveness, security, investment and their role in the energy transition.

Port of Antwerp-Bruges welcomed the recognition of ports as central to Europe’s economy and vital for strategic autonomy, energy supply and secure trade chains.

The strategy confirms that ports function as industrial hubs and key links in European logistics and value chains.

With much industry located in or near ports, Port of Antwerp-Bruges stresses the importance of aligning European port policy with broader industrial policy to ensure efficient import and export flows.

Competitiveness is highlighted as the strategy’s top priority. Port of Antwerp-Bruges underlines that an open and attractive investment climate is essential for port development, with international investment supporting infrastructure and industrial activity.

Security is also a focus, but the port cautions against additional regulatory burdens that could undermine investment.

For Port of Antwerp-Bruges, accelerated and simplified permitting for strategic projects could speed up investments in energy, decarbonisation, port expansion and innovation.

Cooperation on port security aligns with Belgian initiatives to combat organised crime in logistics, while European investment instruments such as the Connecting Europe Facility remain key for funding infrastructure, energy, digitalisation and military mobility.

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, said: “The European port strategy is an important step forward because it recognises how crucial ports are for Europe’s economy, energy transition and strategic autonomy.

“At the same time, we must ensure that European ports and the industries located in them remain competitive in an increasingly challenging global environment. This requires strong synergy between European port, transport and industrial policy, with sufficient room for investment, innovation and international cooperation between European ports.”

Johan Klaps, Alderman for the Port of Antwerp and Chairman of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, added: “The new European port strategy confirms the strategic importance of our ports within the broader economic and industrial ecosystem. It provides our sector with the framework needed for sustainable long-term growth. Ports must continue to invest, innovate and strengthen their role as a resilient link in Europe’s future.”

In February, Port of Antwerp-Bruges closed 2025 with a record year in the reefer segment, having handled 1.17 million TEU of refrigerated containers, the highest volume ever recorded at the port.