TRAN EXCHANGE WITH COMMISSIONER TZITZIKOSTAS
During an exchange with the European Parliament’s Transport Committee, the European Commissioner Tzitzikostas for Sustainable Transport presented the main priorities of two complementary strategies adopted by the European Commission on 4 March 2026: the Industrial Maritime Strategy and the EU Ports Strategy.
The Commissioner outlined a number of concrete measures foreseen under the Ports Strategy. These include guidance for Member States on assessing and mitigating security risks linked to foreign ownership, cybersecurity risk assessments for port infrastructure and initiatives to accelerate the digitalisation and electrification of ports. He also stressed the importance of more coordinated and targeted EU financing to support investments in port infrastructure and connectivity.
During the subsequent debate, Members of the European Parliament raised a broad range of issues related to the future of Europe’s transport system. Discussions focused on limiting foreign influence in strategic infrastructure, the impact of the IMO decarbonisation framework on the competitiveness of EU ports, the role of ports in the energy transition, and the importance of military mobility and cooperation with NATO. Several Members also highlighted the need to improve working conditions for port workers. MEPs used the opportunity to raise other important transport files currently under discussion, including the revision of the Combined Transport Directive.