Lamia Kerdjoudj-Belkaid
Last January 25th, the Transport Committee of the European Parliament adopted “en bloc” the compromise amendments which resulted from the discussions between MEP and Rapporteur Knut Fleckenstein and the Shadow Rapporteurs on the proposal for the Port Services Regulation.
“We really appreciate the efforts that have been made by Rapporteur Fleckenstein to reach a compromise text thanks to an inclusive dialogue involving different stakeholders.” commented FEPORT’s Secretary General, Lamia Kerdjoudj-Belkaid. “We particularly support the exclusion of cargo handling from chapter II, organization of port services. The competitiveness of the cargo handling industry is thus recognized, particularly in a context where efforts to respond to customers’ demand are so significant in terms of investments and continuous adaptation” continued Lamia Kerdjoudj-Belkaid.
Over the last ten years, private terminal operators, members of FEPORT, have invested upwards of 40 Billion Euros in infrastructure and equipment. “This is the reason why we value the reference in the compromise text to the necessity for managing bodies of ports to engage in sustainable consultation with private investors who make significant investments” explained Lamia Kerdjoudj-Belkaid.
Knut Fleckenstein
FEPORT also subscribes to the progress made to ensure that financial transparency prevails when Port Authorities undertake commercial activities which compete with existing private operators.
Last but not least, the inclusion of references to social dialogue and training have also been supported by FEPORT and have been the subject of an agreement with ETF.
M. Fleckenstein’s report should be supported in Plenary. FEPORT therefore kindly requests from MEPs to vote in favor of the text “en bloc” and to grant to M. Fleckenstein the necessary mandate to start negotiations with the Council and the European Commission.
