The European Port Community convened in Thessaloniki from May 7 to May 9 for its General Assembly and the 21st edition of the ESPO Conference. On the evening of May 7, just before the conference officially opened, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, held a high-level meeting with key figures from ESPO, including Chair Ansis Zeltiņš, Vice Chair Gerardo Landaluce, and Secretary General Isabelle Ryckbost. This meeting facilitated a formal introduction between the Commissioner and ESPO, allowing for a constructive discussion about the pressing challenges and opportunities facing Europe’s port sector, particularly in relation to the upcoming EU Port Strategy.
On that same evening, Commissioner Tzitzikostas engaged in an insightful dialogue with approximately 30 prominent CEOs and senior executives from various European ports. This interaction provided a valuable platform for port leaders to communicate their concerns, priorities, and recommendations directly to the Commissioner, setting the stage for more extensive policy discussions later in the conference. During the conference, Commissioner Tzitzikostas delivered a keynote address emphasizing the vital role of ports in addressing current challenges.
He stated, “European ports are at the frontline of today’s most pressing challenges – and they hold the key to addressing them.” He underscored that ports are critical for energy, military mobility, logistics, and trade, which are fundamental to bolstering Europe’s geopolitical resilience and fostering sustainable development. Ansis Zeltiņš, the ESPO Chair, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to discuss pressing issues and share best practices within the European port community.
He noted the mutual understanding and support from the Commissioner on various concerns and perspectives. Isabelle Ryckbost, the ESPO Secretary General, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the Commissioner’s openness to engaging with Europe’s ports and the importance of a strategy that fosters resilience and competitiveness in a net-zero Europe. The conference proceeded with a lineup of expert speakers exploring critical issues such as geo-economic shifts, energy transition, and geopolitical instability affecting European ports, aiming to outline a comprehensive strategy for the future.