As the digital and green transition of the European transport network accelerates, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have launched a targeted technical training programme to ensure that no port is left behind. This new initiative, delivered through EIB Advisory under the JASPERS mandate, is a cornerstone of the newly adopted EU Ports Strategy, specifically designed to empower small and medium-sized ports (SMPs) across the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).
Bridging the Investment Gap for Smaller Hubs
While Europe’s "Tier 1" ports often lead the way in automation and smart infrastructure, small and medium-sized ports are equally vital to the continent’s economic security. These ports handle a significant portion of the 3.5 billion tonnes of cargo and 400 million passengers that move through Europe annually. However, smaller authorities often face "capacity gaps", technical and administrative hurdles that make it difficult to prepare the high-quality, technically robust investment projects required to secure EU funding.
The new capacity-building programme addresses this head-on. Supported by a Joint Contribution Agreement from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and Cohesion Policy Funds, the programme offers:
- A series of live webinars and interactive workshops focusing on project maturity.
- Expert guidance from EIB Advisory to help ports convert strategic priorities into "bankable" investment pipelines.
- Ensuring projects meet strict EU criteria for sustainability, resilience, and digitalisation.
Driving Digitalisation and Connectivity
For the ERTICO partnership and the wider ITS community, this programme is a vital step toward deploying smart mobility solutions. By strengthening the administrative capacity of SMPs, the initiative paves the way for investments in:
- Smart Infrastructure: Integration of IoT and AI-driven logistics to optimise freight flow.
- Alternative Fuels: Preparing infrastructure for shore-side electricity (OPS) and green hydrogen.
- Multimodal Connectivity: Improving the digital and physical links between maritime routes and the rail/road TEN-T corridors.
The Road Ahead
This programme is not merely about funding; it is about knowledge transfer. By leveraging the JASPERS mandate, which has already supported over 2,400 assignments and mobilised €355 billion in investments, the EU is ensuring that smaller maritime hubs have the "know-how" to navigate the complexities of the green and digital transition.
As these ports become more technically proficient, the opportunities for innovative ITS deployments and cross-sector collaboration will only grow, further solidifying Europe’s position as a global leader in intelligent, resilient transport.
Sources:
European Commission, Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (March 12, 2026). "EIB Advisory and the European Commission support EU Ports Strategy through new capacity-building programme."
European Investment Bank (EIB) Press Release (March 2026). "EIB Advisory: Supporting the EU Ports Strategy."
European Commission Communication (COM/2026/112). "EU Ports Strategy: Strengthening competitiveness, security and sustainability."
JASPERS (Joint Assistance to Support Projects in European Regions) 2026 Operational Update.