Commissioner for transport Adina Vălean’s speech on EU investment in port infrastructure – Brussels

06 June 2024

In its 2013 Communication "Ports: an engine for growth", the Commission emphasised the need for investment to adapt port infrastructure to new transport and logistics requirements and to handle the expected growth in cargo. The EU's Integrated Maritime Policy aims to promote the growth of maritime and seaside regions by focusing on maritime transport, seaports, shipbuilding and jobs in the maritime sector.

On the 6^th of June, 2024, Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean, on behalf of the European Commission, replied to the questions of MEP Marc Botenga (The Left) regarding port investments. She highlighted the following key points:

1. The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) has provided over EUR 1.8 billion in grants for the modernisation of port infrastructure.
2. The CEF Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) supports port infrastructure with a total budget of EUR 1 billion.
3. The Cohesion Fund and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) have allocated EUR 5.2 billion for the period 2014-2027 to improve the environment and promote clean energy in ports.

Regarding jobs in ports, future roles are envisioned to adapt to the new role of ports as energy hubs, offshore renewable energy centres, circular economy hubs, and industrial clusters. Employment in the port sector has shown stability from 2009 to 2020, but emerging roles are anticipated to create additional job opportunities.