ESPO 2013 Conference in Varna

Within little over a month, the European port community will be gathering in Varna for the 10^th edition of the ESPO Conference.As usual, the conference promises both content and entertainment, but this year there may also be a bit of excitement ! If the European Commission’s preparations remain on schedule, Varna will be the first industry platform to discuss the regulation proposal on port services and the Commission’s new ports policy communication. The regulation proposal is expected to set common rules on market access to port services and to improve transparency of public funding and port charges.The second day of the conference is entirely devoted to EU port policy. Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas will join us in Varna and the team of DG Move will be present to explain the content of the new policy instruments. MEP Philippe De Backer (ALDE/BE) and industry representatives will give their initial views on this new attempt to set a common policy framework for EU ports.Don’t miss this important debate and book your seats now. Full programme and registration forms are available through www.espo-conference.com.We are sure we will see you in Varna where Patrick Verhoeve has more on this super event!