European ports unite for shared security goals

The European Ports Alliance, launched a year ago in Brussels, was established to enhance cooperation between EU ports in response to the rising cross-border threats. The event in Gdańsk was organized by the European Commission and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, in close collaboration with the Port of Gdańsk.

The Port of Gdańsk remains the only Polish port participating in the initiative, underlining its commitment to strengthening port security and counteracting smuggling, cyberattacks, and other criminal activities that jeopardize not only individual nations but the entire supply chain.

– In today’s world, where ports are becoming increasingly digital, complex, and globally interconnected, their security is a foundation for economic stability, societal protection, and resilience to hybrid threats. The Port of Gdańsk plays a crucial role in this context. We are Poland’s largest port, a gateway to global trade for strategic goods, and a place where security issues are not only operational but also symbolic – said Alan Aleksandrowicz, Vice President of the Port of Gdańsk, welcoming the participants alongside representatives from the European Commission.

The conference featured presentations of two EU-funded research and development projects: BorderSens and METEOR, both showcasing state-of-the-art drug detection technologies.

The main agenda, co-hosted by Olivier Onidi of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME) and Matthias Petschke from the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD), included expert briefings on maritime drug trafficking threats, delivered by representatives from Europol, the European Union Drugs Agency, and the Rotterdam Port Police. Alan Aleksandrowicz of the Port of Gdańsk presented on infrastructure protection efforts. Additional contributions came from the World Shipping Council and the Federation of European Private Port Operators and Terminals (FEPORT).

Particular attention was given to new security initiatives such as UnderSec and SMAUG, both focusing on innovative protection of underwater infrastructure. Meanwhile, representatives of the Coalition of Seven European Countries Against Organized Crime – Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland – presented a working document outlining a more effective EU ports strategy against organized crime.

The conference also reviewed the Alliance’s activities over its first year, discussed priorities for the year ahead, and explored the development of a comprehensive EU strategy for port security. The closing session emphasized the ongoing need to strengthen cooperation across sectors.

– The creation of the European Ports Alliance and this second meeting in Gdańsk mark an important step in building safer trade routes in Europe and deepening collaboration between ports, security agencies, and the private sector – concluded Alan Aleksandrowicz.