#EUportRegulation - The European Parliament voted on the Port Regulation and the Fleckenstein Report yesterday.

The Parliament confirmed the outcome of the Transport committee. 451 MEPs voted in favour of the deal reached by the rapporteur and the shadow rapporteurs and 234 MEPs voted against, while 18 MEPs abstained.

An even larger majority voted in favour of giving the rapporteur the mandate to start negotiations with the council in view of reaching a first reading agreement.

The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) welcomed the outcome of the vote in the Parliament as a solid basis for starting the negotiations with the Council. Commenting on the vote, ESPO Secretary General Isabelle Ryckhost said “With this vote, Parliament has given a strong signal in favour of an organisation of port services that takes into account the diversity of ports in Europe, in favour of more transparency and in favour of more autonomy for the European ports to set their charges"

"To play their role as gateways to the world and to face the various global economic, political and environmental challenges, port authorities need certain tools that allow them to pursue a proper strategy. We really hope that these principles will not be watered down in the further negotiation process with the Council”.

At the same time, ESPO expresses the wish that Parliament will be able to support the more pragmatic approach taken by the Council when it comes to the relations with port users and stakeholders and the establishment of a good and efficient framework for the handling of complaints.