The Commission and European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory have launched a new capacity-building programme to support implementation of the EU Ports Strategy, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized ports in the TEN-T network. Through webinars, workshops and expert guidance, the initiative will help port authorities prepare high-quality investment projects aligned with EU priorities.
This new advisory assignment is designed to reach a broad audience of small and medium-sized ports on the trans-European transport (TEN-T) network, aiming to enhance their capacity to prepare high-quality, technically robust, and economically sound investment projects. The initiative specifically seeks to ensure that projects are prepared in line with EU policy objectives, including sustainability, resilience, digitalisation, and improved connectivity.
Europe’s ports are the anchors of the continent’s economy, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless flow of essential goods, energy, and raw materials. With more than 400 million passengers and up to 3.5 billion tonnes of cargo passing through their gates every year, these ports form the beating heart of Europe’s transport network – a logistics backbone that keeps industries moving and communities connected.
EIB Advisory experts will provide tailored assistance and share expertise through a structured series of live webinars and interactive workshops on various topics, enabling small and medium-sized ports across the EU to convert strategic priorities into tangible, mature investment pipelines. Strengthening administrative capacity at the local level will facilitate access to EU and EIB funding and accelerate priority port investments in both the current and upcoming programming periods.
The assignment forms part of EIB Advisory’s broader contribution to EU transport policy objectives, including the development of resilient, sustainable, secure and well‑connected transport networks.
Since starting operations, EIB Advisory has supported several ports in climate resilience and adaptation, the deployment of alternative fuels, and the development of new vessel capacity and connectivity. This new initiative represents a further step by combining structured training programmes and tailored support for individual ports to address specific capacity gaps and technical weaknesses, ensuring that no port is left behind.