EFIP Welcomes the European Ports Strategy and Calls for Strong Recognition of Inland Ports
Press Releases
05 March 2026
The European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP) welcomes the publication of the European Commission’s EU Ports Strategy, which aims to strengthen the competitiveness, resilience, security and sustainability of Europe’s ports.
Ports are vital gateways for European trade and logistics. Inland ports play a crucial role in connecting seaports with Europe’s hinterland, supporting multimodal transport chains and strengthening the resilience of European supply chains. By facilitating the shift to more sustainable modes of transport, such as inland waterways and rail, inland ports are key enablers of Green Logistics.
Ensuring the competitiveness of Europe’s ports is therefore essential. A strong and competitive port system allows Europe to safeguard strategic supply chains, maintain global trade leadership and support the continent’s economic and industrial base. Inland ports contribute to efficient cross-border hinterland connectivity, reducing congestion on road networks while supporting the decarbonisation of freight transport.
EFIP welcomes several important elements of the Strategy. In particular, the Federation supports the strengthening of rules securing rail access to ports, which will help improve multimodal connectivity and reinforce the integration of ports within Europe’s transport network.
EFIP also welcomes the commitment to a new NAIADES Action Programme, which will provide a renewed framework to support the development of inland waterway transport and unlock its full potential as a sustainable and efficient transport mode. In addition, the planned update of state aid rules is an important step to ensure that ports can access the necessary support to invest in infrastructure, energy transition and innovation.
At the same time, EFIP notes that the overall scope of the Strategy remains broad and that it is not always clear which proposed actions will directly impact inland ports and which will not. Greater clarity will be important to ensure that the Strategy effectively addresses the specific needs and realities of inland ports.
EFIP also calls forthe cross-border character of inland ports to be recognised within the EU financing programmes. Especially within the Connecting Europe Facility, it has to be clearly outlined that inland ports enable European cross-border logistics, and that their development has to be prioritised. Otherwise achieving the goals of the Port Strategy will prove unfeasible.
EFIP also reiterates the strong commitment of inland ports to support cross-border cooperation in the fight against drug smuggling. As important logistics hubs, ports have a shared responsibility to contribute to secure supply chains. However, any expanded security actions should remain targeted, proportionate, and based on risk, ensuring that they effectively address criminal activities without creating unnecessary administrative burdens for port authorities and operators.
Uwe Köhn, President of EFIP, said: “The European Ports Strategy is an important opportunity to strengthen Europe’s logistics system. Inland ports play a crucial role in connecting seaports with the European hinterland and enabling sustainable multimodal transport. We welcome the Commission’s focus on competitiveness, rail connectivity and inland waterway transport. At the same time, it will be essential to ensure that the Strategy’s actions are clearly defined and implemented in a way that supports all ports, including inland ports, while maintaining proportionate and effective security measures.”
Background information on EFIP:
The European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP) brings together more than 200 inland ports and port authorities in 16 countries of the European Union, Switzerland and Ukraine. Since 1994, EFIP has been the voice of the inland ports in Europe. EFIP highlights and promotes the role of inland ports.
EFIP actively follows all developments in the field of EU policy of importance to inland ports and represents the inland ports vis-à-vis the European institutions and other international bodies. EFIP offers its members the possibility to exchange information, expertise and best practices with colleagues in other countries.
For further information, please contact the Secretariat: +32 2 219 82 07 - info@inlandports.be
Check out our new website: www.inlandports.eu
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