The European Commission's New Ports Policy: Opening the Dialogue

The European Commission launched its new European ports policy on 18th October 2007.

"After a unique, year long consultation process, key stakeholders will come together at Waterfront's Conference to examine for the first time whether the Commission's Communication and, accompanying 25 Actions, will succeed in replacing the previous 10 year period of conflict, controversy and uncertainty with clarity, consensus and stability."
WaterfrontEurope's Director, Mark Watts

The Communication seeks to promote greater dialogue between all stakeholders and the Waterfront event will be the first opportunity to test the water. "Ports are Europe's windows to the world. European ports play a key role for our growth and jobs strategy and we must make sure that ports can handle the expected growth in maritime traffic. It is essential to promote investment and employment in the sector"
Jacques Barrot, European Commissioner for Transport

About the conference:

After a unique, year long consultation process, principal stake-holders will examine whether the new EU Ports Policy will succeed in replacing the previous period of conflict, controversy and uncertainty with clarity, consensus and stability.

This event, supported by ESPO and ECSA, and with the participation of the European Commission, to be held in Brussels shortly after the Commission's final ports policy announcements, is the first opportunity to examine the future of European ports policy. It will provide the ports of Europe and its maritime industry and stakeholders with the opportunity to understand the new guidelines, express their views and debate the key issues.

Confirmed speakers include:
Jean Trestour Head of Ports Policy European Commission, DG Transport & Energy
Patrick Verhoeven Secretary General European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO)
Diego Teurelincx Secretary General Federation of European Private Port Operators (FEPORT)
Alfons Guinier Secretary General European Community Shipowners Association (ECSA)
Philippe Alfonso Political Secretary for Fisheries, Dockers and Maritime Sections European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF)
Chair: Mark Watts Director Waterfront Europe