EIB Advisory and European Commission Introduce New Initiative to Support Strategic Development of Ports Across the TEN-T Network

EIB Advisory and European Commission Introduce New Initiative to Support Strategic Development of Ports Across the TEN-T Network

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank and the European Commission have launched a new technical training programme under the JASPERS advisory mandate to help strengthen strategic port infrastructure across the European Union. The initiative focuses on supporting small and medium-sized ports within the trans-European transport network by improving their ability to design high-quality investment projects aligned with EU priorities such as sustainability, resilience, digitalisation and improved connectivity. Funded through the Connecting Europe Facility and EU Cohesion Policy Funds, the programme will provide guidance through webinars and workshops delivered by EIB Advisory experts. By enhancing local administrative and technical capacity, the initiative aims to help ports build stronger investment pipelines, improve access to EU and EIB financing and accelerate the development of key infrastructure projects. The programme builds on EIB Advisory’s previous work supporting ports in areas such as climate resilience, alternative fuels and improved transport connectivity.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 12-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — European Investment Bank (EIB), through its advisory services, together with the European Commission, has introduced a new technical training initiative aimed at strengthening strategic port infrastructure across the European Union. The programme is being implemented under the JASPERS advisory mandate and is supported through a joint contribution agreement between the European Commission and the EIB. Funding for the initiative is provided through the Connecting Europe Facility and EU Cohesion Policy Funds.

The training programme is designed to support small and medium-sized ports operating within the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) by helping them improve their ability to prepare investment projects that meet high technical and economic standards. The goal is to enable ports to develop projects aligned with key European policy priorities, including sustainability, resilience, digital transformation and stronger connectivity within the EU transport system.

Ports play a central role in Europe’s economic infrastructure, serving as major gateways for trade, energy supplies and industrial raw materials. Every year, Europe’s ports handle around 3.5 billion tonnes of cargo and accommodate over 400 million passengers, making them essential components of the continent’s transport and logistics network.

Through this new initiative, EIB Advisory experts will provide practical guidance and knowledge sharing through a structured programme that includes live webinars and interactive workshops. These sessions are designed to equip port authorities and operators with the tools needed to translate long-term strategic priorities into concrete investment plans.

By strengthening administrative and technical capacity at the local level, the programme aims to help ports build stronger investment pipelines and improve their ability to access financing from both the European Union and the European Investment Bank. Improved project preparation is expected to accelerate the implementation of priority port infrastructure projects during the current and upcoming EU funding periods.

The initiative also supports the broader objectives of EU transport policy, which focuses on building transport systems that are resilient, sustainable, secure and better connected across member states.

EIB Advisory has already supported a number of port projects through its JASPERS mandate and other advisory programmes. These efforts have included work on climate resilience and adaptation strategies, the development of alternative fuel infrastructure, expansion of port capacity for vessels and improvements in transport connectivity.

The new training programme represents the next phase of this work by combining structured learning initiatives with targeted support for individual ports. By addressing capacity gaps and strengthening technical expertise among port authorities, the programme aims to ensure that ports across the European network are better equipped to develop viable investment projects and access the funding needed to modernize infrastructure.

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SOURCE: European Investment Bank