Representing around 70 ports across the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas, the association says it will bring cruise ports interests to the forefront of European port related initiatives, following its selection.
Thanos Pallis, MedCruise secretary general, will represent the association at the Forum. He described EPF's main focus as including the exchange of information on policies and initiatives taken at Commission level, Member State level or by port industry stakeholders and contributing to the priorities identified in the Valletta Ministerial Declaration in April 2017 on the EU Maritime Transport Policy.
EPF will also provide advice to the Commission on initiatives in establishing a framework for the provision of port services and common rules on the financial transparency of ports and also provide advice, analysis, information and data on various matters related to the Commission policies which impact maritime ports.
Pallis said MedCruise has been selected on the basis of ‘the competence and experience of the organisation and its capacity to represent the position shared by stakeholders in its category.’
He added, ‘we are looking forward to working with other experts representing the users of our cruise ports, providers of port services, port employees, port-cities, non-governmental organisations and not least European and Member States' authorities in order to advance the role of cruise ports in developing policy initiatives that would facilitate the sustainable growth of cruise ports in the Med and beyond.’
MedCruise is already a a member of the European Sustainable Shipping Forum (ESSF) and contributor to the Stakeholders Advisory Group on Maritime Security.
In 2014, along with the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) and other European cruise port associations it formed the European Network of Cruise and Ferry ports, operating within ESPO.
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