Port privatisation hits flak in Europe

ED RICHARDSON THE EUROPEAN Parliament’s transport committee recently rejected a bill designed to open up European ports to competition. The vote was close – 24 against to 23 in favour – according to a transport committee spokesman. Market access to port services is a contentious issue within the Parliament. Two years ago a majority of MEPs rejected at the final stage the outcome of the Parliament-Council conciliation negotiations on the first port services directive. The Commission then brought forward a new draft directive which has not come before Parliament. Advocates of liberalising port services say there is a need for greater competition in this sector to promote growth and job creation while opponents believe there would be a risk of massive job losses and deteriorating working conditions.