The Baltic Ports Organization held its annual debate at the European Parliament on 24 March 2026, bringing together policymakers and port executives to address the critical challenges and opportunities facing the Baltic Sea region. Against the backdrop of a shifting geopolitical landscape, the meeting served as a vital platform for aligning regional interests with upcoming European Union strategic frameworks.

The event was hosted by Merja Kyllönen, Member of the European Parliament (MEP), who emphasized the ports’ role as a frontrunners in maritime innovation, shaping the future of Europe’s transport infrastructure. Key perspectives from the European Commission were provided by Torsten Klimke, Head of Unit at DG MOVE, who engaged in direct dialogue with port representatives regarding the integration of Baltic interests into EU-wide transport policy.

Funding and security

The debate focused on three pillars essential to the future of maritime infrastructure:
• New EU Ports Strategy: Discussions centered on the evolving role of ports as hubs for energy and logistics, emphasizing the need for effective implementation and sustainable funding models.
• EU Budget 2028-2034: Participants analyzed the upcoming financial perspective, specifically focusing on investments in the TEN-T network, the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), and the prioritization of strategic port projects.
• Military Mobility Package: In light of regional security concerns, the debate explored the dual-use implications for port infrastructure and its role in European defense readiness.

“Today we can focus only on the three key subjects: the new EU Ports Strategy, the new EU budget, and Military Mobility regulations and funding. I am convinced that today’s lunch debate will allow us to update our knowledge on these three important issues, draw attention to the key challenges for our ports, and properly prepare our positions for the European Commission or the European Parliament,” said Alan Aleksandrowicz, Chairman, BPO.

EU Ports Strategy
The recently approved EU Ports Strategy was a key topic during the debate’s proceedings. While the BPO welcomes the initiative, recognizing its importance for adapting the European port sector to evolving geopolitical, economic and environmental landscapes. At the same time, the Organization emphasizes that its success will depend on practical implementation.

This sentiment was reflected in the opening speech delivered by MEP Kyllönen: “The European Commission has sent a clear signal: ports are central to Europe’s green and digital transition. They are essential for trade, regional development, and sustainable mobility. The strategy emphasizes three key areas: modernizing infrastructure, supporting digitalization, and promoting environmental sustainability. But vision alone is not enough, it must be matched by effective implementation and adequate funding.”

A smart and industry-conscious approach is key to maintaning the overall competetiveness of the Baltic and broader European port sector. On-shore power supply (OPS) systems, for instance, represent very costly investments for ports, offering no immediate direct revenue advantage, and are coupled with limited access to appropriate financing opportunities, making their timely and widespread implementation challenging.

Similarly, in context of the development of alternative fuels infrastructure, ports should not be obliged to ensure the availability of alternative fuels infrastructure based solely on theoretical projections. Shipowners should be the main driving force behind the demand for such infrastructure, as the real demand remains largely unknown and should be a result of natural market growth. A practical and market-driven approach should always be considered during the implementation of the strategy.

Strong Baltic representation
The significance of the topics discussed was underscored by the strong showing of executives from BSR ports. Representatives from Esbjerg, HaminaKotka, Rønne, Stockholm, Gdańsk, Kemi, Gdynia, Rostock, Södertälje, and Riga demonstrated the unified commitment of the Baltic Sea region to driving the European maritime agenda forward.