European ports play a key role in international trade, energy supply and logistics chains. At the same time, they face challenges related to international competition, security, decarbonisation, digitalisation and hinterland connectivity. In March 2026, the European Commission published its European Ports Strategy to address these challenges in an integrated way.
Commissioned by the European Parliament, CE Delft, together with MemEx and CERTH, assessed the challenges facing European ports and examined how the new strategy addresses them. The study focuses on five key areas: competitiveness, safety and security, energy transition, digitalisation and hinterland connectivity.
The study finds that the EU Ports Strategy provides a sound basis, but that its success will depend on effective implementation. The report offers policy recommendations to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of European ports, support investment in the energy transition, and improve digitalisation and hinterland connections.
Read the report here: Research for TRAN Committee – European Port Strategy | Think Tank | European Parliament