Apostolov Apostol, Brussels EU policy correspondent
The Middle East conflict, soaring energy prices, a shortage of young talent and an ageing power grid have emerged as the biggest challenges facing the Port of Rotterdam. These issues were highlighted during a debate on the future of infrastructure, where experts, local authorities and human resources specialists gathered at a time when the European Commission is preparing two new strategies for the future of Europe’s maritime and inland ports.
At a press conference in Brussels, officials made it clear that consultations and fact-finding discussions are only just beginning. Ministers responsible for key portfolios – Stéphane Séjourné, Raffaele Fitto, Apostolos Tzitzikostas and Magnus Brunner – may want to start taking notes. The problems highlighted in two of Europe’s largest ports, Rotterdam and Antwerp, could well serve as a template for what the rest of the EU might soon face.
An Energy-Intensive Vision
The future of the port depends first and foremost on young people willing to take over the baton and inject new energy into the infrastructure sector. But attracting them is becoming increasingly difficult.
“How can you expect young people to join when energy-intensive companies in ports are constantly portrayed as major polluters?” asked local political leader Tim Versnel.
Industry representatives echoed the concern. The business association Deltalinqs argued that the sector is sending a clear signal that ports offer excellent jobs and long-term careers. Yet the constant criticism directed at heavy industry risks discouraging young professionals from entering the sector.
Industrial managers added that the entire energy-intensive industry needs a new image. “If we constantly present the chemical industry as a problematic sector, we shouldn’t be surprised when young people choose other fields,” they warned.
Wars and Global Instability
Beyond the labour shortage and the business climate, the geopolitical environment has also become a major concern. The focus of EU policymakers and port authorities is increasingly shifting toward the Middle East.
Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, warned that global instability is becoming a daily reality.
“The world is becoming more unstable and uncertain. Every day we have to think about the 192,000 people working in the port,” he said.
Reinvestment and Political Stability
At a time when geopolitical tensions are shaking global trade, port authorities say they need political stability at home and predictable government support.
One proposal is to reinvest part of the port authority’s revenues into development projects around the port itself. “The city of Rotterdam is inseparably linked to its port. They are like communicating vessels,” local officials argue.
The idea is also directed at the newly formed government led by Prime Minister Rob Jetten, with calls to focus more strongly on green investments and the circular economy.
Political stability, experts say, is a key condition for investment. Periods of political uncertainty often push companies to relocate or delay projects. This is not only a Dutch problem but a European one, according to local analysts quoted by industry publication Industrieelinqs.
A Deteriorating Business Climate
While politicians often debate theoretical scenarios, business leaders point to concrete examples of a deteriorating investment environment.
Kuno Vat, manager of logistics company Neele-Vat, described how his firm built a warehouse for a specific client, investing millions in logistics and infrastructure.
“But political instability, changing governments and the lack of a long-term vision forced the company to leave. And when they leave, we suffer as well,” he said.
Dozens of companies have already shut down operations over the past year, including major industrial players such as Shell and BP.
Businesses say they face a lack of a level playing field and extremely long permit procedures that can take years. The resulting administrative burden significantly increases costs for construction permits and operational licenses.
These challenges cannot be solved by ports alone. They require strong political will from national governments and coordinated action at the European level.
The Energy Transition
The energy transition promoted by the European Commission, with targets set for 2040, also presents practical obstacles.
The idea of powering trucks and logistics chains with offshore renewable energy is promising. But companies located inland face a different reality: an outdated electricity grid that cannot support the expansion of charging infrastructure.
This lack of investment in energy infrastructure risks placing European ports and industries at a disadvantage compared to global competitors.
Local councillor Chantal Zeegers from the governing party D66 argues that while the EU prepares long-term reforms, local solutions are also needed.
One proposal already being explored by energy companies is energy sharing. Firms could shift production outside peak hours and share unused electricity capacity with other companies in need.
Europe’s Industrial Future at Stake
The difficulties facing European ports are not new. Industry representatives have repeatedly warned that there is no time for endless discussions.
If Brussels wants to help, they say, it must accelerate initiatives such as the Clean Industrial Pact and other measures frequently discussed at European Commission press briefings.
Every day of delay risks weakening the Netherlands’ position as a global port leader and could cost the country up to €40 billion annually, according to research institute TNO.
The cycle returns to the same problem raised at the beginning of the debate: perception and competitiveness.
Bankruptcies and industrial shutdowns may become increasingly common across the EU if urgent action is not taken. Industry groups argue that Europe urgently needs more investment in innovation and support to address soaring electricity prices.
High energy costs were one of the main triggers behind the outcry from energy-intensive industries, which pushed the European Commission to propose the Clean Industrial Pact, a €100 billion support plan launched a year ago.
However, businesses remain sceptical.
Industrial giants such as ArcelorMittal and INEOS argue that the proposed measures are unlikely to halt Europe’s industrial decline.
“Instead of investing in the future, we are fighting for survival,” representatives warn.
INEOS has even described the concept of “decarbonisation through industrialisation” as misguided, arguing that reducing CO₂ emissions through current policy frameworks risks undermining Europe’s competitiveness.
Similarly, Patrick Pouyanné has questioned whether Europe is truly capable of rethinking its economic model.
The Grid Bottleneck
One of the most pressing problems remains access to electricity.
Industry associations have long called for a comprehensive European plan to modernise power grids and enable affordable electrification of industry.
The current infrastructure is insufficient. Many factories cannot expand production or transition away from natural gas because they simply cannot connect to the grid.
A recent study shows that three-quarters of energy-intensive companies located inland in the Netherlands may fail to meet their sustainability targets due to grid constraints.
Sectors most affected include paper, cardboard, glass, brick manufacturing and food processing.
Companies say they face a paradox: they pay CO₂ emission allowances but still cannot access sufficient electricity capacity.
According to a 2024 study titled “Grids for Speed” by the industry association Eurelectric, investments in electricity distribution networks across Europe must double from €33 billion to €67 billion annually between 2025 and 2050.
Without such investment, Europe’s ambition to electrify transport, heating and industry — while integrating renewable energy and coping with cyber and climate risks — may remain out of reach.