On 29 June 2016 the Council’s Permanent Representatives Committee approved new rules to increase the financial transparency of ports and create fair conditions for access to port services across Europe. It confirmed the agreement reached with the European Parliament on 27 June. The new rules set out to make ports more efficient and ensure fair competition in this crucial sector that accounts for up to 3 million jobs. They aim to boost the competitiveness of European ports both in promoting short sea shipping as an alternative to congested roads and vis-à-vis ports located in non-EU countries. More competitive facilities and processes should also reduce costs for transport users. Until now, EU ports have only been regulated in horizontal legislation and Treaty provisions.
Source: European Council
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