In recent months, European ports have played a crucial role in the supply and distribution of essential goods and in keeping the economy running. As gateways to the world, located at the crossroads of supply chains, energy hubs, industry and the blue economy, ports can be unique drivers of sustainable growth and recovery. To continue to play their role, Europe's ports must remain resilient and fit for the future.
The Recovery and Resilience Facility is the EU's main financial instrument for implementing a green, digital and resilient recovery of our economy. As the preparation of national recovery and resilience plans reaches its final stage, ESPO calls on EU Member States to consider and reconsider the inclusion of port projects.
“Europe’s ports are engines of growth and recovery. Ports are at the crossroads of transitions and can truly be partners in the green and digital recovery. We believe that many port projects have the power to strengthen the necessary transitions proposed in Europe’s recovery policy. We regret to hear that some Member States refuse to integrate these projects,” says ESPO Secretary General Isabelle Ryckbost.
ESPO regrets this missed opportunity that could have substantially contributed to a green, digital and resilient recovery.
The ports of Europe hope that the European Commission will pay particular attention to the following points when assessing the national plans of the Member States.
• Aligning the national recovery and resilience plan with the challenges identified in the relevant country-specific recommendations.
• Adequate inclusion and consultation of regional and local authorities in the preparation of the national recovery and resilience plan.
