Pending the finalization of the proposal for revision by European Commission's 2003 Directive which ETS for emissions trading greenhouse gases, scheduled for next month, the federation of European port operators Feport called on the Commission to allocate part of the ETS revenues to support the transition energy efficiency of European ports to enable decarbonisation and the electrification of airports. "These investments - underlined today - are essential not only for safeguarding the competitiveness of EU ports, which are face competition from hubs in third countries operating under less stringent climate regulations, but also to contribute to the achievement of climate and environmental objectives of the EU'.

With regard to port hubs in third countries, Feport has Associated with concerns expressed on Wednesday European Ports Association on the loss by the EU ports of trade to neighbouring countries such as direct consequence of the application of the ETS to the maritime sector ( of 27 May 2026). "For European ports and terminals - highlighted Lamia Kerdjoudj, Secretary General of Feport - a issue deserves particular attention: the relocation of the transhipment traffic, since it not only affects on economic activity and employment in ports, but it can be also undermine EU connectivity and competitiveness of its industry, both within and within the outside the ports. EU policy, he added, cannot continue to ignore the fact that the relocation of carbon emissions will also harm sustainability competitiveness and resilience of European ports. I recent and future investments in terminal capacities in the neighbouring ports outside the EU, which are not subject to the ETS for the maritime sector - Kerdjoudj stressed - are not A coincidence, but a serious competitive pressure on ports European Championships. We need to act quickly and review the ETS provides an opportunity to include solutions to the problem as well carbon offshoring affecting European ports".

"The recent strategy for EU ports - noted Again the Secretary General of the Federation referring to the initiatives presented last March by the European Commission ( of 4 March 2026) - promotes competitiveness and resilience of European ports and recognises that there is a problem with the ETS system. The revision should at least aim to channel the revenues from the ETS also to ports, while other relevant initiatives should support the energy transition in ports".

Finally, stressing that the transition to neutrality requires significant investments in the maritime and port sector, Feport also hoped for consistency in all initiatives to accelerate the energy transition of EU ports.