#ESPOplea- The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) is joining a group of transport stakeholder associations in a plea to further exploit the full potential of the short-sea shipping sector.

The group of stakeholders include European association for forwarding, transport, logistics and customs services (CLECAT), The European Community Association of Ship Brokers and Agents (ECASBA), The European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA), ECS, European Shortsea Network (ESN), the European Sea Ports Association (ESPO), the Federation of European Private Port Operators (FEPORT), Interferry and World Shipping Council, in addressing an open letter to European policymakers.

By this letter, and through their individual contributions to the Mid Term Review, the associations listed above are calling on the European Commission and Member States to work together to put in place practical, meaningful and effective solutions for the issues currently facing the maritime sector. The plea is so that it can achieve the outcomes envisaged in the Athens Declaration and contribute fully to the economic and social development of the European Union.

The full text of the open letter can be found here.