I was surprised to hear that EFIP is turning 30. It feels quite recent that I celebrated the 20th anniversary with you! You still occupy your own unique corner in my heart. It’s a corner that probably looks a bit like your logo, bringing together water, rail and road in a smooth harmonious swoosh, but also one that brought together a very likeable group of people who had interesting stories to share. In fact, for me, EFIP has remained a kind of benchmark for the best sort of organisation!
European: You are the very essence of what it is to be European - comfortable in the knowledge that you are all different from one another, due to the different geographic, economic, and political/legal contexts you come from; but interested in understanding each other, in working together and in sharing experiences.
Fun and Friendly: I had been told about this before I joined EFIP, but I hadn’t quite gotten the measure of it. I remember, during the preparation for my first General Assembly, being totally bemused by the length of the program compared to the short time needed for the actual statutory meeting. Luckily, Hélène and Eugenio were there to explain that EFIP members enjoy spending time together and don’t want that cut short. What a beautiful organisation!
Interesting stuff happens in ports: Many of the big geopolitical, economic and environmental developments become visible in the ports first. You are all deploying new innovations and solutions all the time and I was touched by the dedication with which you all support your local communities. I am very grateful for the time many of you took to show me what was happening in your specific backyard. Those concepts and insights still pop up in my head from time to time and it’s always a happy memory.
Pragmatic. There is something about the size of an inland port that allows you to see things up close and understand them better. That brings the global and the local into view at the same time and makes it obvious how they are linked. I was always struck by how well inland ports can define their interests, to say what is feasible and not; what is too fanciful to work in practice; what should be a priority and what is ultimately hot air and not worth spending time or money on. True wisdom, that is.
Stay the way you are, you’re a great organisation! I wish you all a Happy 30th Anniversary!
