Ladies and Gentlemen,
Welcome to Thessaloniki, a city of historical significance and warm Greek hospitality. Today, we discuss the pivotal role of our ports, essential gateways for people, goods, and ideas that have shaped Europe.
The Port of Thessaloniki, a personal favorite, exemplifies the beauty and functionality of European ports, from Rotterdam to Barcelona. These ports are crucial for our economy, security, and identity.
Annually, EU ports handle 3.4 billion tonnes of goods and 400 million passengers, contributing €29.5 billion to the economy and providing 400,000 direct jobs.
Ports serve as entry and exit points for trade, supporting the EUs external and internal commerce. The newly introduced European Maritime Space enhances port connectivity and promotes sustainable practices.
Efforts like ESPOs 2024 Memorandum align with our goals of achieving a net-zero, smart, and competitive Europe. The EU has invested heavily in port improvements to support these initiatives.
Despite challenges like geopolitical tensions and climate change, ports remain resilient. We aim to turn these challenges into opportunities, focusing on clean energy and innovative business models.
The upcoming EU Ports Strategy will address these issues, fostering resilience and sustainability. We will integrate ports into the Trans-European Network and tackle cybersecurity, supply chain optimization, and energy transitions.
Investment in modernizing port infrastructure is crucial, and we welcome your input on how to achieve these goals efficiently.
This ESPO conference is a valuable opportunity to discuss current challenges and future prospects. Together, we can establish European standards that lead globally.
Thank you for your dedication and hard work.