Europe’s ports and broader waterborne industry stand at the forefront of today’s most pressing challenges – while also holding the solutions. To outline these challenges and strengthen their resilience and competitiveness, the Commission will come forward with an EU Ports Strategy and EU Industrial Maritime Strategy, as announced in the Mission Letter of Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas.
On 1 July 2025 in Brussels, Commissioner Tzitzikostas will host two Strategic Dialogues inviting key stakeholders across relevant industries to feed into the development of these Strategies. The objective is to jointly identify main challenges, opportunities and actions needed to support the EU port sector and the wider waterborne industry. Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy Stéphane Séjourné will also join the EU Industrial Maritime Strategy Dialogue.
The ports Strategic Dialogue will bring together providers and users of port services, trade unions, civil society representatives and other key stakeholders. The industrial maritime Strategic Dialogue will engage shipyards, equipment manufacturers, shipowners and operators, trade unions, civil society representatives and other representatives of Europe’s waterborne industry.
These Dialogues are part of broader stakeholder consultations for both Strategies.
Practical information
- Tuesday 1 July 2025
- 09:30 – 11:00 CET – Strategic Dialogue on the EU Ports Strategy
- 12:00 – 13:30 CET – Strategic Dialogue on the EU Industrial Maritime Strategy
- Brussels, Belgium
- Participation upon invitation
Background
Ports are critical hubs for energy, logistics, military mobility, and global trade. To support the EU’s economy, resilience, and strategic autonomy, our ports must evolve to meet future needs – such as enabling cleaner energy solutions, hosting industrial clusters, and serving dual-use functions for defence and civilian purposes.
Meanwhile, Europe’s maritime manufacturing and shipping cluster faces increasing global competition and security risks. Strengthening its competitiveness – while advancing the cluster’s green and digital transition – is essential.