European Port Strategy: ALICE restricted workshop with the European Commission

The European Commission is developing a new EU Port Strategy to redefine the role of ports as strategic assets in Europe’s economy and innovation ecosystem. Far beyond being transit points, ports are now recognized as key enablers of the green transition, digital transformation, and resilience of supply chains. At the same time, they face mounting challenges, including rising geopolitical risks, cybersecurity threats, and increasing demands for environmental and social sustainability. 

The new strategy aims to create a shared framework that supports innovation, investment, and regulatory alignment, ensuring ports can evolve into clean, connected, and competitive hubs. It highlights the critical role ports play in reducing emissions, enabling the energy transition through alternative fuels, and advancing the digitalization of logistics chains. However, it also calls attention to the urgent need to safeguard ports from physical and digital threats and to ensure a smooth integration with surrounding cities and regions. 

ALICE, the European Alliance for Logistics Innovation, is actively contributing to this strategic process. While the Commission plans to launch a formal consultation in Spring 2025, ALICE is already engaging with its network of ports and logistics hubs to ensure that logistics, innovation, and digitalization are placed at the heart of the strategy. The aim is to move beyond high-level policy statements and focus on delivering real, scalable innovation for ports of all sizes. 

Several key questions are under discussion: How can research and innovation be translated into real-world deployment? What tools can help smaller ports benefit from digital transformation? And how can EU instruments- such as funding, platforms, and networks- be better coordinated to support logistics innovation? 

The Port Strategy also seeks to address fragmented efforts across the EU by improving coordination between ports, logistics actors, and policy frameworks. From overcoming regulatory and financial barriers to identifying inspiring examples of innovation adoption, the conversation is open and ongoing. ALICE invites stakeholders to join early, contribute insights, and help shape a practical roadmap that reflects the diverse realities of European ports.