Framework on future EU ports' policy

Key EESC messages

• The Committee endorses the combination of a "soft law" approach with legislation, where there is no alternative.
• The Committee supports the Commission's approach of applying the proposals to all 319 TEN-T ports, with Member States having the opportunity to apply the provisions of the regulation to other ports.
• Given their low impact at present, the Committee approves the Commission proposal to leave passenger transport and cargo handling services outside the scope of the regulation. Nevertheless, in terms of implementation, the Committee recommends that particular attention be paid to pilotage, mooring and towage, taking due account of their different impacts, so these can be exercised under independent judgement, free of any commercial pressure that could prejudice the safety, security and environmental protection of the port community and the general public.
• The Commission's basic idea of increasing financial transparency in the ports sector has the Committee's support, as this makes it possible to obtain information on any public funding at an earlier stage.
• The Commission proposes that the regulation be evaluated and, if appropriate, measures proposed three years after its entry into force. The Committee considers this period to be too short and suggests a mid-term review with comments within three years, and a final evaluation with conclusions only after six years.
   

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