Port services: market access and financing of maritime ports

The European Parliament adopted the report by Mr Georg JARZEMBOWSKI (EPP-ED, D) subject to substantial amendments. This proposal is designed to open up access to port services, in two key areas: the transparency of public funding in European seaports and the range of port services to be covered by the directive. (Please refer to the previous text). In addition to the recommendations by the committee responsible, the Parliament has introduced an amendment which states that in cases where the service provider will make no or insignificant investments in order to carry out the provisions of services, the maximum duration of its authorisation shall be 8 years as opposed the Commission's 5 years. Parliament also emphasised the point that care must be taken not to discriminate against publicly-owned seaports or seaport systems and port undertakings, therefore Parliament introduces a new article formulating the principles for state aid applying specifically to seaports.�