Dear Peter,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I want to wish the Danish Presidency a strong start, especially regarding security. The launch of ProtectEU outlines an ambitious agenda, and I appreciate Denmarks support on issues such as combating organized crime and enhancing port security.

Though we initiated ProtectEU just months ago, the geopolitical landscape is already shifting. We must be quicker in anticipating threats and responding proactively.

Weve seen an uptick in threats from Russia and Belarus, utilizing criminal networks to exploit migration and ongoing security concerns in the Middle East.

In this context, the Ports Alliance serves as a clear success story that we can build upon. Beate will elaborate on specific successes and next steps shortly.

We must leverage this success through two key approaches:

First, by expanding the scale of the Alliance. This means increasing the number of ports involved in the public-private partnership; we warmly welcome Norway and Switzerland. We must also enhance our efforts in the customs and law enforcement pillars of the Alliance to prevent criminals from simply moving their activities to smaller ports.

Second, we need to broaden the scope of our work on Ports. Addressing drug trafficking is just one aspect of our broader EU Ports Strategy. We must also focus on safeguarding port infrastructure against various security threats, including hybrid and cyber-attacks, ensuring our maritime infrastructure is resilient and autonomous.

Ports play a crucial role in the EUs defense, serving as logistical hubs for military operations. For instance, the Port of Rotterdam is planning its role in potential conflicts, enhancing our overall security and preparedness.

Finally, we must integrate the Alliance into our broader efforts to protect the EU. For example, new intelligence from the European Union Drugs Agency can guide our detection strategies, shifting focus as needed based on evolving patterns of drug supply.

Effective coordination is vital. I urge EU Agencies to enhance cooperation with each other and with their partners in the Ports Alliance, fostering a culture of communication, especially regarding changes in port operations.

As we scale up our efforts, we must remain vigilant; cooperation is our strength against increasingly creative criminal tactics.

Thank you.