70 Amendments of Kathleen VAN BREMPT related to 2023/2059(INI)
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas European ports are a key artery for EU and global trade, with 74 % of goods entering or leaving the EU by sea; whereas, in addition to its strategic function, ports are taking up an increasingly important role as the anchor of social and economic growth of the regions as well as in the supply, production, provision and storage of energy, and greening of transport and industry;
Amendment 9 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that geopolitical tension and supply chain disruption, alongside Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, represent significant challenges for the efficient operation ofduring the pandemic, ports have played a crucial role in ensuring the continuance of emergency supply chains; highlights that also in the new geopolitical context, alongside Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the essential role of ports in keeping supply chains operational and setting up new alternative routes, including humanitarian lanes and solidarity lanes for Ukrainian exports, is again coming to the forefront; further underlines that European ports are pivotal in safeguarding energy supplies and in reducing energy dependency from Russia and will remain instrumental in repowering Europe in the short term, by enhancing the setting up of alternative routes for the provision of gas and increasing gas storage; in parallel, stresses that ports are and will be key in reinforcing efforts to prepare for a fossil- free energy landscape in Europe an ports; d will play an important role in the greening of transport, industry and energy generation;
Amendment 10 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
– having regard to the Joint Communication to the European Parliament, the European Council and the Council on “European Economic Security Strategy” of 20 June 2023 (JOIN(2023) 20 final)
Amendment 16 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2022/2560 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 on foreign subsidies distorting the internal market
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights that an open, fair, sustainable and assertive EU trade policy, coupled with ambitious trade agreements, would strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of European portsare key for the competitiveness and resilience of European ports and for Europe’s growth and prosperity; recognises that Europe’s maritime manufacturing capabilities are essential to the Union's maritime strategic autonomy, innovation and sustainable growth as well as to the EU's ambitions to lead the twin green and digital transitions; believes that the EU Regulation on Foreign Subsidies and autonomous tools are essential to preserve and foster the European maritime industrial base;
Amendment 17 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 b (new)
Citation 12 b (new)
– having regard to the Commission Regulation (EC) No 906/2009 of 28 September 2009 on the application of Article 81(3) of the Treaty to certain categories of agreements, decisions and concerted practices between liner shipping companies (consortia),
Amendment 25 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas our ports are the European Union’s gateways to the world, the backbone of the EU economy and competitiveness, and an entry into the Blue Economy, and as such play a crucial role in our economy, providing wealth and jobs, both by facilitating external trade and in the energy transitionvestment, and connecting to the hinterland;
Amendment 29 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the implementation of recent or pending EU legislation, including in the field of trade, will require investment and training for port operators and authorities; acknowledges that ports require significant investments to implement the obligations stemming from the Fit for 55 package and to be able to play their role in the green transition; underlines the importance of emerging technologies and digitalisation in European ports and the need to stimulate investment in the uptake of innovative solutions and support the digital transition in the port sector; recalls the importance of promoting sustainable investments in European ports, such as in electrification, hydrogen production, offshore wind energy, it will be key to boost ports' rail connections to TEN-T networks and to avoid botlenecks in these networks;
Amendment 30 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas ports are crucial energy hubs that are vital for the supply, production, provision and storage of energy and are therefore crucial assets in the EU’s quest to become strategically autonomous and more resilient;
Amendment 34 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas ports have played an indispensable role in EU crisis management, by ensuring the continuance of supply chains and setting up of alternative routes;
Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas ports have taken on renewed importance from a military and defence point of view;
Amendment 39 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that in certain cases foreign trade andThe lack of an effective and efficient investment can causd trade defense policy can produce security vulnerabilities, in particular with regard to foreign ownership, control or access to EU critical infrastructure, including European ports; believes that foreign investments in essential and critical infrastructure that might enable effective participation or control (direct or indirect) in the management of the port should be thouroughly scrutinized; underlines that foreign investments, from state backed companies or state subsidies in all forms, that enable effective participation or direct or indirect control in the management of the port, should be avoided; considers that, in order to strengthen Europe's resilience, competetion on an equal footing must be ensured and that the level playing field and Europe's competitiveness can not be undermined with distortive foreign subsidies in European Ports;
Amendment 39 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas ports carry out a vital public service, are making the transition towards carbon neutrality, strengthen the EU’s objective to make supply chains more resilient, and are enablers in the just transition, and should hence be valued as such;
Amendment 44 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas ports are essential for the decarbonization of waterborne transport, in accordance with the objectives of the European Green Deal and related legislation;
Amendment 45 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Amendment 46 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas ports are part of a wider waterborne eco-system comprising a wide range of activities, including shipping, shipbuilding, maritime equipment manufacturing, inland navigation, and logistics;
Amendment 49 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas, while competition between ports is beneficial, a race to the bottom between them at the cost of security or, increased foreign control via investmenpolitical influence or foreign control by non-EU entities, or societal and or environmental costs should be avoided;
Amendment 53 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Considers that a well-functioning Customs Union is fundamental to the EU’s competitiveness, sustainability and resilience; believes that a reformed and strengthened Customs Union with a common customs code will preserve the integrity of the Single Market, helping to maintain EU competitiveness in the twin green and digital transitions and avoid unfair competition between European ports;
Amendment 56 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Believes that tackling ‘port shopping’, a practice undermining the integrity of the EU internal market whereby traders target certain ports for products to enter the Single Market, is key; notes that currently customs controls are largely based on automated and targeted risk management, and that Member States employ national systems with national data to do this; underlines the urgency to have in place harmonised customs controls in all European ports to avoid different application of sanitary or due diligence standards;
Amendment 60 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the regulation on the screening of foreign direct investments2 addresses risks to security and public order resulting from investments from third countries, including those concerning European ports; believes the forthcoming review of the FDI Regulation should make foreign direct investment screening system mandatory in all Member States; considers that assessments on the basis of this Regulation should be more binding and take place within a reasonable timeframe safeguarding the attractiveness of Europe for new investments; _________________ 2 Regulation (EU) 2019/452 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 March 2019 establishing a framework for the screening of foreign direct investments into the Union (OJ L 79I, 21.3.2019, p. 1).
Amendment 67 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Emphasises the considerable role that the Global Gateway could play in strengthening the network of European ports with third countries, facilitating trade and expanding investment opportunities, hence creating mutually beneficial partnerships and promoting sustainable value chains; highlights in this regard the importance for the EU to step up its economic diplomacy.
Amendment 74 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recalls that the maritime and port sector are characterized by different governance structures, and have different means to allow investments, ranging from licensing and concession schemes, over the granting of ownership of port infrastructure, to full operational power over port authorities;
Amendment 75 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Considers that port concessions and lease contracts, whereby the port managing body sets conditions under which a terminal should be operated (e.g. on operational, social, environmental, or security grounds) are an important tool for the port managing bodies to safeguard control and intervene in case of breaches of contract;
Amendment 76 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Cautions against the increasing Chinese presence in port infrastructure (mostly terminals), both in seaports and inland ports, as well as hinterland operations;
Amendment 77 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Warns that against the background of the Chinese military-civil fusion policy, the potential use of Chinese vessels and (partly) owned port infrastructure for other than economic purposes may lead to risks related to economic dependence, logistic support to the Chinese navy or espionage;
Amendment 87 #
2a. Asks the Commission to further research the specific impact on local and EU economic indicators (such as employment and trade) from non-EU investments in European ports to accurately understand implications of decreasing non-EU influence;
Amendment 112 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines the importance of information sharing about threats and opportunities, and increasing EU cooperation in screening and blocking inbound investments in critical infrastructures, where major negative impacts on other Member States or the whole EU cannot be excluded, in a spirit of finding a balance between keeping an open investment environment, and mitigating potential risks ;
Amendment 116 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on the Commission to reform the EU Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Screening Mechanism in the following ways: make domestic screening mechanisms mandatory; include more stringent due-diligence standards; ensure that screening processes are clear, objective, and that definitions, scope and procedural aspects are coherent across Member States; ensure that screening procedures take place within a reasonable timeframe and respect confidentiality; make opinions by the European Commission binding under certain conditions;
Amendment 139 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Suggests that all Member States introduce laws to retake control of ports, terminals and other maritime infrastructure and develop contingency plans for a major conflict scenario; highlights repeated warnings by intelligence agencies against the risks of economic dependence, espionage and sabotage caused by the economic presence of entities from non-EU countries in our critical infrastructure and strategic sectors, such as portsdevelop contingency plans for a major conflict scenario; calls on the European Commission in coordination with the Member States, to design a rapid mechanism of response, in case of detection of dual use, or misuse, of the infrastructures in the EU, which are under property, participation or concession to non-EU state-backed entities, that could lead to the cancellation of the rights of concession, and/or the suspension of the capacity of domain in the cases or property and participation;
Amendment 153 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls upon the European Commission and Member States to identify strategic fleets for Europe’s defence and security, trade, energy and food supply and the Blue Economy;
Amendment 154 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Warns that with accelerated digitalization comes an increased risk of cyber-attacks, with significant knock-on effects for society; asks the Commission to further research and collect data on the coverage and risks of non-EU companies’ involvement in cyber and data security in critical infrastructure;
Amendment 159 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Asks the Commission to support cyber resilience, by urging ports to increase their monitoring capacity and support the development of comprehensive contingency plans; stresses that the Commission should support this development by sharing guidelines, providing training and adequate financial means, as well as providing access to data and intelligence;
Amendment 163 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Asks the Commission to support and facilitate the sharing of best practices on digital innovation and cybersecurity among ports and member states;
Amendment 164 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Stresses the importance of cooperation between ports, and with European, national, regional and international institutions to gain information on threat vectors or intelligence indicators, ensuring a more coordinated support towards threat analysis so ports can optimize their resilience and contingency planning;
Amendment 173 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Underlines that EU ports are key entry points for illicit drugs and calls on the Commission to present measures for effective European cooperation to combat drug trafficking, extraction and criminal subversion; welcomes in this respect the Commission’s intent to combat drug trafficking with an EU coordinated approach; further highlights the need to combat all kinds of transnational organized crime;
Amendment 183 #
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
Role of ports in energythe just transition
Amendment 198 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
Amendment 207 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Reiterates the importance of the targets of climate neutrality as set in the new growth strategy of the EU (Green Deal), including for the maritime and ports sector;
Amendment 208 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Highlights the crucial role that ports can play as enablers of the green transition, where industrial policy and climate policies can go hand in hand; asks the Commission to raise awareness around existing best practices and case studies in leading EU ports and to enhance cooperation between ports in the Union and between Member States to share such best practises;
Amendment 209 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 c (new)
Paragraph 17 c (new)
17c. Asks the Commission to carry out an in-depth analysis (including a societal and environmental cost-benefit analysis) on a potential ship capacity maximum to call in EU ports (harmonised across all EU ports), striking a balance between ports’ competitiveness, societal return, labour conditions in ports, and climate gains;
Amendment 210 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 d (new)
Paragraph 17 d (new)
17d. Asks the Commission to prioritize ports in its Circular Economy strategy and assist Member States and local Port Authorities by providing guidance on implementing projects related to circularity;
Amendment 211 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 e (new)
Paragraph 17 e (new)
17e. Highlights that ports are air pollution hotspots, especially during peak congestion; stresses the need for increased monitoring and prevention measures for air pollution from ships; asks the Commission to take steps towards pollution free port areas;
Amendment 212 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 f (new)
Paragraph 17 f (new)
17f. Stresses that collaboration and forming strong cooperative networks beyond the ports’ territories will be key in making the green transition a success;
Amendment 213 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 g (new)
Paragraph 17 g (new)
17g. Asks the Commission to deliver on its Modal Shift ambition as put forward in the Green Deal and tackle the remaining challenges on inland waterways and, especially, rail freight to boost its uptake in ports and their connectivity to the hinterland;
Amendment 215 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Underlines that an energythe just transition in ports will not be possible without a skilled workforce; urges the Commission to provide future-proof training, education and life-long learning opportunities to put port workers in the center of the digital and green transition, and to make the industry more attractive to women;
Amendment 221 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Reiterates the important societal role of ports in providing many direct and indirect jobs and stresses the need to safeguard fair and safe working conditions for all port and maritime workers;
Amendment 224 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Highlights that crisis episodes have shown that seafarers, crew members, fishers and port workers are essential ‘front line’ workers and their wellbeing is vital to keep the world moving;
Amendment 225 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)
Paragraph 18 c (new)
18c. Asks for data on (direct and indirect) employment across all EU ports to be included and made publicly accessible in the Eurostat database; underlines the importance of data on maritime accidents to be recorded and made transparent;
Amendment 226 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 d (new)
Paragraph 18 d (new)
18d. Asks the Commission to address social dumping in the maritime sector, especially related to third-nationals on board of ships docking into EU ports and to increase the number of social inspections as well as to improve monitoring;
Amendment 227 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 e (new)
Paragraph 18 e (new)
18e. Reiterates the importance of social dialogue, in which all stakeholders involved in the maritime supply chain should take part, to ensure that the digital and green transitions do not happen on the shoulders of workers;
Amendment 228 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 f (new)
Paragraph 18 f (new)
18f. Highlights the importance of strong port worker statutes, to ensure jobs are safe and well-regulated across EU ports;
Amendment 237 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Underlines the importance of a healthy, competitive and diversified maritime and logistics environment for ports; points however to the increasing market power of a small amount of stakeholders, in particular shipping lines, as a result of market consolidation and vertical integration, that risks to affect the fair power balance and level playing field between the different actors in the port ecosystem, with significant social, environmental implications and financial costs for society; asks the Commission to no longer extend the Consortia Block Exemption Regulation;
Amendment 242 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19b. Emphasizes the importance of effective and timely dialogue between ports and other logistics stakeholders (including shipping lines) in order to ensure well-functioning supply chains, avoid stranded assets, and to increase transparency about mutual needs;
Amendment 243 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 c (new)
Paragraph 19 c (new)
19c. Highlights that ports play a crucial role in a well-functioning Customs Union, which is fundamental to the EU’s competitiveness, security, sustainability and resilience;
Amendment 255 #
21. Recalls that ports are not stand- alone assets as they have their place in a vast the waterborne ecosystem of maritime logistics and supply chains driven by demand from European importers and exporters;
Amendment 259 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Is concerned about EU shipping companies facing restrictive maritime cabotage law in third countries, including China, which de facto forbids them from carrying out cabotage operations between Chinese ports,these third country ports; highlights that while cabotage operations constitute a core element of the business model of Chinese shipping companies in and between certain EU ports; calls on the Commission to explore the possibility of introducamending anthe EU maritime cabotage law so that could apply to non-EU shipperabotage operations between EU ports are reserved to EU shipping companies;
Amendment 262 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Underlines the importance of the EU Global Gateway initiative as a strategic global alternative to the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative; emphasizes the potential of Global Gateway projects in the maritime industry (e.g. port infrastructure, hinterland road and rail connection, green hydrogen) to create a network of ports that facilitate trade and investment, and leads to mutually beneficial partnerships;
Amendment 267 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Stresses the urgent need for improving the strength and capacity of hinterland connections in a sustainable way with particular links to inland waterways and rail connection, particularly those that are part of TEN-T;
Amendment 274 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Underlines the importance of maritime manufacturing and equipment in the EU as a foundation for maintaining a thriving maritime logistical sectorwaterborne sector, for Europe’s resilience and strategic autonomy, for promoting innovation, and for strengthening the EU's ambitions to lead the twin green and digital transitions;
Amendment 276 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Asks the Commission to assess and lay down clear and operational classifications and definitions on maritime equipment and monitor patterns and changes in terms of market shares;
Amendment 277 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25b. Calls on the Commission to research and assess the impact of Europe’s dependence on foreign shipbuilding and maritime equipment manufacturing (especially equipment necessary for port infrastructure) and take adequate measures to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of Europe’s shipyards and their entire supply chains;
Amendment 278 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 c (new)
Paragraph 25 c (new)
25c. Calls upon the European Commission to ensure a level playing field and that Europe’s competitiveness in the waterborne ecosystem, including EU ports, is not undermined by distortive foreign subsidies; asks the Commission to identify possible legal gaps on Regulation (EU) 2022/2560 on competitive distortions from foreign subsidies and take legislative initiatives to solve these gaps;
Amendment 281 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Highlights the strong acceleration in the digitalization in many EU ports in recent years; believes this can be an enabler for Europe's competitiveness, energy transition and sustainability, innovation capacity, and fight against organized crime;
Amendment 285 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26b. Underlines the importance of the creation of an enabling regulatory framework that ensures ports can be a front-runner in technological innovation; emphasizes that ports are critical infrastructure and that technological legislation should take this distinct nature into account and provide for a harmonised approach towards the use of innovative technologies;
Amendment 286 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 c (new)
Paragraph 26 c (new)
26c. Encourages the European Commission to support and facilitate the roll-out of digital innovations, such as drones, AI, smart shipping, etc., in the context of a port environment by allowing and encouraging for testbed environments;
Amendment 288 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Calls on the Commission to present a comprehensive port strategy addressing the aforementioned issues, to recognize the strategic nature of ports as critical infrastructure and to anchor this in a holistic strategy that brings together a harmonized European view and vision;
Amendment 291 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Asks the Commission to approach ports from a multi-disciplinary perspective, and as part of a waterborne ecosystem, and to come forward with such a holistic framework and strategy by the end of 2024;
Amendment 292 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27b. Asks the Commission to raise awareness among and support Ports and relevant Member States authorities related to the implementation of existing and new European initiatives and legislation;
Amendment 293 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 c (new)
Paragraph 27 c (new)
27c. Asks the Commission to take ownership in accelerating the green and digital transition, also by increasing its capacity in people and means to enhance dialogue and commitment with ports and relevant Member State authorities;
Amendment 294 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 d (new)
Paragraph 27 d (new)
27d. Emphasizes that adequate funding and financing instruments will need to be allocated to ports to remain competitive, play an enabling role in the green transition, and contain risks of foreign influence; asks the Commission to increase the percentage funding designated to ports under the Connecting Europe Facility and Innovation Europe funding schemes;