Press Release: Ports: transport MEPs favour clear public funding rules, but not free market access

The European parliament's transport committee approved on 25 January 2016 a draft law to improve the transparency of public funding for key ports of the European Union and common rules for portts wishing to restrict the number of service providers.

However, the committee rejected a proposed 'one size fits all' EU-wide free market access rule for suppliers of port services such as towage, mooring and pilotage. Its members considered that ports themselves should be able to decide how their port services are organised, so as to ensure security and safety.

The proposal was confirmed at the parliament's plenary session on 8 March 2016.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Council adopts its position on port services http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-adopts-its-position-on-port-services/

ESO: Background information: The liberalisation of EU port services http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-liberalisation-of-eu-port-services/

European Parliament: Newsroom: Press Release, 08.03.16: Port services: improving efficiency to boost trade http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/20160303IPR16935/

EurActiv, 09.03.16: MEPs back cheaper services in EU ports http://www.euractiv.com/section/transport/news/meps-back-cheaper-services-in-eu-ports/

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