In a bid to strengthen trade ties with Europe, Ireland and the UK, the European Commission has approved a US$300 million of public funding to build a new terminal at the Port of Calais, a move which is in line with EU state aid rules, according to Dredging News Online.
The Port of Calais is currently experiencing major disruptions due to industrial action from striking lorry drivers who want the French and British governments to do more to tackle illegal immigrants boarding their vehicles in the hope of reaching the UK.
Ms Vestager, the EU Commissioner for Competiton, said: “This is a good example of how member states can boost infrastructure investments without damaging competition in the Single Market. This French project has attracted private funding in order to complete a project which could not have been started without this cooperation.
“Furthermore, this is a trans-European project that will enable a better flow of cross-Channel links and stronger trade exchanges between the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe.”
A Romanian Minister in the European Parliament recently said that ports can avoid economic isolation and improve competitiveness by developing port facilities.
This move would also allow for better integration between EU ports. Hamburg is acting on such plans, having announced recently that it will be boosting cooperation with Klaipeda, Lithuania.
It was previously reported that the EU could be hindering the progress of German ports’ expansion plans due to concerns that river dredging is harming water quality.
