15.11.2023
Priority question for written answer P-003358/2023
to the Commission
Rule 138
Cyrus Engerer (S&D)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2297 has been a step in the right direction to address the potential for carbon leakage caused by port evasions and its impact on several EU Mediterranean trans-shipment hubs. Nevertheless, there are other non-EU trans-shipment ports in the vicinity of the EU which still do not satisfy the criteria delineated in Article 3ga(2) of Directive 2003/87/EC and therefore have not been included in the Regulation.
1.What is the Commission’s assessment of concerns raised by Member States such as Malta about vessels avoiding EU ports and opting for non-EU trans-shipment ports which still do not fall under the criteria delineated in Article 3ga(2) of the Directive? How does the Commission plan to ensure that European ports remain competitive and prevent economic challenges, including potential job losses?2.In the context of ongoing developments in new non-EU port infrastructure in the Mediterranean and the concerns expressed by Member States such as Malta about the potential shift in business, how does the Commission intend to monitor the situation closely, specifically with regard to vessels avoiding EU ports, assess whether other ports fulfil the criteria for inclusion in the regulation, and take prompt and effective action to address any evasive behaviour related to the implementation of this Directive?
Submitted: 15.11.2023
Last updated: 17 November 2023