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CLECAT joined last week as a guest to the 21st annual ESPO Conference, held in Thessaloniki on 8–9 May, where European port authorities, industry leaders, and policymakers gathered to discuss the evolving role of ports in a time of geopolitical upheaval and accelerating sustainability demands.

The event highlighted the strategic importance of ports in Europe’s economic, environmental, and security agenda. In a keynote address, Commissioner Tzitzikostas called on stakeholders to engage in shaping a new EU Ports Strategy that will be unveiled later this year. "European ports are at the frontline of today’s most pressing challenges - and they hold the key to addressing them," he said. "They are where logistics meet, where energy and digital clusters grow, and where Europe's supply chains gain their competitive edge."The Commissioner acknowledged the shifting global trade landscape, including the impacts of the Red Sea crisis and the uncertain direction of US trade policy, noting that “geopolitics, alongside technical and operational complexities, have created real challenges.” He also recognised the growing concern over security threats such as organised crime and drug trafficking in European ports, a topic that CLECAT has repeatedly flagged in discussions on supply chain vulnerabilities. The forthcoming EU Ports Strategy, according to Commissioner Tzitzikostas, will address security (including cybersecurity), the role of ports in the energy transition, skills shortages, and smart investment aligned with the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan. "We are moving forward developing a comprehensive EU Ports Strategy," he said, "linking competitiveness with resilience and sustainability—which go hand in hand."

With over 300 stakeholders in attendance, breakout sessions tackled subjects ranging from decarbonisation and the deployment of alternative fuels, to digital solutions for secure and efficient port operations.

CLECAT looks forward to continuing the dialogue with the European Commission and port stakeholders as the strategy takes shape, ensuring that the essential role of freight forwarders in facilitating seamless and secure trade through ports is fully recognised and supported.