Outermost ports unite to defend a common position in Europe.

The ports of the European Union’s Outermost Regions decided to reinforce cooperation among themselves and present a joint position on the future European Ports Strategy, in a move that seeks to give more political strength to port realities that are often dealt with outside major decisions in Brussels.

The message is clear: these ports do not want to continue being analyzed with the same ruler used for large continental ports. The distance from the central European space, the almost total dependence on maritime transport, the smaller scale of local markets and the proximity of competing ports outside the Union create a very unique context, which requires specific responses and greater political sensitivity on the part of European institutions. Port infrastructures from Portuguese, Spanish and French territories participate in this joint effort, in a bloc that aims to affirm the strategic role of the outermost regions on the European maritime map.

More than simple supply points or island connections, these ports present themselves as essential parts for territorial cohesion, logistical continuity and European presence in areas geographically remote from the continent. One of the central points of this common position is related to the application of new European legislation linked to decarbonization and energy transition. The outermost ports warn of the risk that some of these measures, if applied without differentiation, will increase costs, harm competitiveness and cause traffic diversion to neighboring ports located outside the European Union regulatory framework. The concern is not theoretical. For these regions, the port is not just an economic infrastructure: it is a condition for the functioning of the territory.

In addition to the regulatory aspect, the position presented also defends greater access to European financing for modernization, digitalization, energy transition and strengthening connectivity. There is also a clear focus on valuing human resources, through training, the exchange of experiences and the creation of technical cooperation mechanisms between different port administrations. Among the proposals on the table is also the creation of a permanent representation structure within the European Commission, with the aim of ensuring that outermost ports will have a regular and organized voice in decision-making processes. Basically, what is at stake is an attempt to stop reacting only to ready-made rules and start influencing, from the beginning, the way in which these rules are designed. This joint understanding shows that outermost ports are increasingly aware that only with political articulation and strategic vision will they be able to defend their interests in a rapidly changing European environment.

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