EFIP Urges Inclusion Of Inland Ports In European Port Strategy

The European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP), representing over 200 inland ports across 19 EU Member States and beyond, has welcomed the development of a European Port Strategy.

EFIP is calling on EU policymakers to fully integrate inland ports into this strategic vision, underlining their essential role in advancing the European Green Deal, Clean Industrial Deal, and TEN-T (Trans-European Transport Network) priorities.

As climate risks intensify and strategic transport needs grow, EFIP emphasizes that inland ports must be recognized as critical enablers of green logistics, climate adaptation, and defence mobility.

Accelerated Permitting and Proportional Regulation Needed

EFIP highlights the need to streamline and harmonise permitting procedures across the EU to enable faster and more efficient infrastructure development. Inland ports, many of which are publicly owned and smaller in scale, often face disproportionate administrative and reporting burdens, especially under frameworks such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). EFIP stresses that applying proportionate rules will allow these ports to focus resources on improving operations and sustainability.

Fairer Funding Access for Small and Medium-Sized Projects

To support inland ports’ development, EFIP recommends the creation of a dedicated envelope within the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for small and medium-sized projects. Current funding mechanisms often favor large-scale seaport projects, leaving inland ports at a disadvantage. EFIP also calls for greater transparency in project selection processes, ensuring that inland ports have fair access to financial support essential for modernising their infrastructure and boosting green logistics.

Building Climate and Security Resilience

Facing rising threats from droughts, flooding, and extreme weather, inland ports need clear EU-level guidance on climate adaptation. EFIP urges that the Port Strategy include measures to enhance resilience and infrastructure preparedness. Additionally, inland ports play an increasingly important role in European defence logistics. EFIP advocates for early consultation on dual-use infrastructure and calls for stronger cybersecurity and physical security standards to protect these strategic nodes.

EFIP’s recommendations underscore the urgent need for an inclusive European Port Strategy that equips inland ports with the tools, flexibility, and financial backing to thrive. As Director Turi Fiorito stated, “Inland ports are ready to do their part,” but they require the right support to help Europe build a greener, more resilient, and secure transport network. The success of the EU’s climate and mobility goals depends on recognizing and empowering the vital role of inland ports within the broader transport ecosystem.