The Benelux Parliament convened a crucial plenary session in The Hague on 14 June 2024, focusing on the vital issue of port security. High-level representatives from the three Benelux countries, along with representatives of several interparliamentary organisations and international experts, engaged in in-depth discussions on the challenges and opportunities related to protecting both physical and digital port infrastructure. BSPC President Henrik Møller addressed the Plenary Session.
Ministerial Presentations and Expert Exchanges
The session commenced with presentations outlining each country’s national policies on port security. Dutch State Secretary for Customs, Aukje De Vries, emphasised the importance of international cooperation in combating organised crime and drug trafficking. Luxembourg’s Minister for Mobility and Public Works, Yuricko Backes, highlighted the need to include inland ports in the overall security strategy. Geert Vandervelden, representing the Belgian National Drugs Commissioner, stressed the vulnerability of port personnel and the necessity for enhanced training.
The discussions then shifted to the security of physical and digital infrastructure. The harbormasters of Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges shared their experiences and called for modernised legislation and improved coordination between countries. Cybersecurity experts addressed the risks and opportunities associated with the use of artificial intelligence and big data in port security.
BSPC President’s Address: A Call for Enhanced Cooperation and Concrete Action
BSPC President Henrik Møller expressed in his speech the BSPC’s solidarity with the Benelux Parliament, emphasising the importance of unity among democratic states, especially in challenging times. He stressed the need for intensified efforts to protect critical port infrastructure from both physical and digital threats, drawing upon the BSPC’s recent discussions on enhancing infrastructure, military mobility, and cooperation in the Baltic Sea region.
The President also addressed ports’ evolving challenges, stressing the importance of continuously adapting security strategies to meet new threats. He also underlined the necessity to develop joint and coordinated actions in all our countries, as was done with the Hamburg Declaration of the coalition of European countries against serious and organised crime. His speech aimed to foster further collaboration and innovation among like-minded democratic countries of the Baltic Sea and North Sea in improving port security measures.
The BSPC President outlined key measures to bolster port security, including:
- Enhanced Coordination and Cooperation: A unified approach among countries to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure a coordinated emergency response.
- Improvements to International Maritime Law: Strengthening legal frameworks to better address emerging threats.
- Strengthening Surveillance and Response Coordination: Investing in advanced technologies and building regional capabilities for rapid response and repair.
He concluded his address by inviting a delegation from the Benelux Parliament to the BSPC’s annual conference in Helsingør, fostering further dialogue and collaboration on port security.
Adoption of Recommendations and Insightful Visit to the Port of Rotterdam
Following the plenary session, three recommendations were adopted on cycling policy, the Benelux railway agenda, and the future of agriculture.
The following day, the session participants embarked on a working visit to the Port of Rotterdam. This visit provided valuable insights into the port’s operations, security measures, and ambitious development projects, complementing the discussions of the previous day. Participants toured Maasvlakte 2 and received a comprehensive overview of the port’s key figures and strategic initiatives from Mark Dijk, Director of External Affairs at the Port of Rotterdam.
This plenary session of the Benelux Parliament highlighted the critical issues surrounding port security and strengthened cooperation between the Benelux countries and their international partners.
For further information:
https://www.beneluxparl.eu/fr/2024/06/18/securite-portuaire-session-pleniere
https://www.beneluxparl.eu/fr/2024/06/27/visite-de-travail-port-de-rotterdam