The liberalisation of EU port services

Serving as access points to Europe, the European Union’s approximately 1,200 seaports are crucial both for its transport sector and its competitiveness. They also have significant potential for creating jobs and attracting investors.

The European Commission plans to redress the huge disparities in performance levels by modernising the port services offered by the EU’s 329 main seaports. The reform is aimed at eliminating unfair competition, guaranteeing a level playing field and improving the commercial efficiency of ports. Two previous attempts to liberalise port services (in 2001 and 2004) provoked controversy, particularly regarding their social/labour market aspects, and were rejected by the European Parliament.

The latest initiative combines a legislative and a ‘soft’ approach. The previously contentious cargo handling and passenger services will not be opened up to the market through legislation. Instead, the Commission is focusing on establishing a clear framework for market access to port services and common rules on the transparency of public funding for ports and the charges for users. The ‘soft’ approach comprises an action plan and the launch of sectoral social dialogue.

Note the related url hyperlink which is an updated version of this Briefing issued in March 2016.

Written by Ivana Katsarova and Marketa Pape.

EP: EPRS: Briefing: EU Legislation in Progress, March 2016: The liberalisation of EU port services http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2016/579083/EPRS_BRI(2016)579083_EN.pdf

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