EFIP is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Our federation was created in 1994, following the Treaty of Maastricht, leading to the creation of the Single Market and the European Economic Area. This signalled a time of more cooperation and globalisation.
As the EU expanded to reach 27 members and continue to further integrate, break down barriers and focus on transport and logistics, the importance for inland ports was clear. Starting as an initiative between the Port of Brussels, the French Inland Ports (AFPI) and German Inland Ports (BÖB), EFIP has grown to reflect the expansion of the EU including Switzerland, Serbia and Ukraine.
In that time, inland ports have become crucial in bolstering the resilience of Europe’s economy and society. They have evolved beyond their traditional role as landlords into local logistics centres. Simultaneously, they started to transform into green hubs and have proven to be reliable partners in meeting both current and future energy demands.
Additionally, they are playing a significant role in preparing Europe for a net-zero economy and society.
However, those efforts have come under pressure as well. In February of 2022, Europe was shocked by the horrible invasion of Ukraine leading to death and destruction for our colleagues and their countrymen. At the same time, it sparked a new geopolitical and economic crisis.
This and other factors are leading to a global fragmentation of economic interests and creation of new blocks. And this must be seen in the context of the unprecedented global climate crisis. These transformative changes trickle down into logistics and the operations of inland ports.
Former certainties are disappearing, and new realities are dawning, requiring answers. This is why I am proud to see all the innovations and developments being implemented by our member ports.
At the same time, we will take a look back at the last 30 years of EFIP through the eyes of former presidents, directors and collaborators. We can only know where we are going if we know where we are coming from. In that way, we want to show you the unique role and path of each port but emphasising the thread of our common vision that brings us all together. That vision will keep us moving forward and I, for one, am excited to know where we are going to be in 2054.