Meeting of the EFIP Executive Committee in Finland

The annual meeting of the Executive Committee of the European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP) was held on 12 September in the Finnish city of Lappeenranta. The Port Governance Agency participated in the meeting as a member of the Federation representing Serbia.

During the open session, discussions focused on the significance of Finnish inland ports in strengthening climate resilience and economic stability. Special attention was devoted to the concept of dual-use investments, aimed at developing infrastructure and capacities that serve both civil and defense purposes.

The meeting also addressed current European policy initiatives, including the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme, the Investment Plan for Sustainable Transport, and the EU Port Development Strategy.

The Port Governance Agency presented recent results in cargo and passenger water transport, as well as ongoing development projects and planned activities for the upcoming period.

It was underlined that European inland ports have assumed an increasingly important role in enhancing energy security and supporting the overall energy transition. The discussions emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation and the exchange of experience to achieve the goals of port “greening” and environmental sustainability.

During the event, the European Federation of Inland Ports signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals, Inc. (IRPT) of the United States, an association that brings together and represents the interests of inland ports, terminals, and other actors in the U.S. inland waterway system.

As part of this year’s Executive Committee meeting, participants also took part in a cruise through the Port of Lappeenranta, where they were introduced to the port’s operations and its future development plans.

The next EFIP gathering will be held in March 2026 in Prague, when members will convene for the Federation’s Annual General Assembly.