EFIP Members meet in Lappeenranta to learn how Finnish Inland Ports strengthen Europe’s Resilience and Economy
Press Releases
12 September 2025
On Friday, 12 September 2025, EFIP members gathered in Lappeenranta for their annual Executive Committee Meeting. Hosted by the Port of Lappeenranta, the program opened with Marja Eskman, Project Manager, who introduced members to the operations of the port and other Lake Saimaa ports, with a particular focus on Dual-Use investments in the region. The Executive Committee Meeting was followed by an open session that highlighted the ongoing focus on how Finnish inland ports contribute to strengthening European resilience and the economy.
In the open session, Markus Rantavaara, Senior Manager of Operation Resources and Processes at UPM, shared insights on operations in Lake Saimaa, the challenges faced, perspectives on Dual-Use infrastructure, and the realities of operating near the Russian border. Followed by Niina Malm, Member of Parliament, alternate member of Defence Committee, the presentation focused defence planning in the Saimaa region, the role of ports and terminals, and lessons from Finland’s approach to infrastructure at the EU’s eastern border. Finally, the open session ended with Merja Kyllönen, MEP and Member of TRAN Committee addressed the EU support for Dual-Use investments, the evolving political discussions in Brussels, and strategies to balance defence requirements with commercially viable, climate-neutral development.
The Executive Committee members enjoyed a beautiful, guided cruise aboard the M/S Camilla, of the Port of Lappeenranta.
CEO of the Finnish Ports Association, Piia Karjalainen stated: “The past years have pushed the ports around Europe to take up new roles as strong contributors in building up the resilience and energy security for the whole Europe. In Lake Saimaa region, our inland ports have developed their resilience and adaptability in the current challenging operational environment especially through enhanced collaboration. As we have witnessed the power of the collaboration for the benefit of the region and whole Finland, now it has been a great honour to welcome the colleagues from inland ports around Europe to Finland to discuss the common issues and new opportunities, and to learn from each other.”
Uwe Köhn, President of EFIP, added: “This constitutes the first visit of EFIP to the Finland and our members in the Saimaa region. It showcases both the challenges of the Finnish inland ports and their untapped potential. At the same time, the port of Lappeenranta also shows the role inland ports can play in dual-use scenarios, contributing to European defensive readiness. Its these lessons we can take back to our ports as we are exploring our role in a more resilient Europe."
The discussion covered various policy developments such as Connecting Europe Facility Proposal, Military Mobility Proposal, Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, CEF Call 2026 and the Port Strategy.
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