Today in Brussels, the European Commission hosted two dialogues high-level strategic meetings with representatives of the port sectors, shipbuilding, maritime and inland navigation, and of related business segments to help define Jointly priorities, opportunities and actions that contribute to the development of port and maritime strategies industrial sectors of the EU. In addition, to collect additional suggestions, has been started to submit contributions for both EU Ports and Maritime Industry Strategies inviting interested parties to share their views until next July 28.

"With our forthcoming maritime, industrial and - explained the European Commissioner for Transport and to Sustainable Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas - we intend to ensure that Europe's ports and maritime industries are equipped to lead the clean and digital energy transition, support defence and trade and remain competitive at the global. The contribution of all stakeholders is essential: We are committed to listening to the needs and ambitions of the industry to help shape a Europe fit for the future'.

Stressing that the maritime and port industry are vital for the sovereignty of Europe, the Vice-President of the EU Commission and responsible for Prosperity and Prosperity Industrial Strategy, Stéphane Séjourné, has explained that "our priority is to strengthen competitiveness, while promoting its decarbonization. Today's dialogue is the first step towards a renewed ambition for our European maritime leadership".

Today's meeting was attended by representatives of Community of European Railways (CER), European Association for Forwarding, Transport, Logistics and Customs Services (CLECAT), European Barge Union (EBU), European Community Shipowners Association (ECSA), European Dockworkers Council (EDC), European Dredging Association (EUDA), European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP), European Maritime Pilots' Association (EMPA), European Onshore Power Supply Association (EOPSA), European Seaports Organisation (ESPO), European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF), European Tugowners Association (ETA), Federation of European Private Port Companies and Terminals (FEPORT), Fuels Europe, Marine Care Association (MCA), Transport & Environment (T&E), UNISTOCK and World Shipping Council (WSC).