Port of Rotterdam Meets European Commission

On Wednesday, October 23th, in Brussels, entrepreneurs from the port of Rotterdam and representatives of the Port of Rotterdam Authority and employers’ organisation Deltalinqs met with Vice-President of the European Commission Kallas and European Commissioner Oettinger. The Dutch Cabinet was represented by Prime Minister Rutte.
The key question was How does Rotterdam’s port and industrial complex contribute to Europe’s competitive position and what can Europe do to strengthen Rotterdam? This was fleshed out along two lines, in terms of logistics and industry: Rotterdam as a European centre for imports and exports and as a hub for European energy supplies.
In addition to speeches from Mark Rutte, Siim Kallas (Transport) and Günther Oettinger (Energy), Paul Smits, Port of Rotterdam Authority CFO and Steven Lak, president of Deltalinqs , explained their positions during an interview.
Important topics of discussion were the new port policy of the European Commission, the trans-European transport network TEN-T and the globally competing Rotterdam industrial sector in relationship with the prices of energy. The meeting was an excellent opportunity for the Rotterdam entrepreneurs to get into contact with the European Union. Therefore, it is the intention to organise an annual ‘Rotterdam meeting’ with EU politicians and those who make and influence policy.

Port of Rotterdam, October 25, 2013