Brussels — 23 October 2025 – The European Council has reiterated its intention to strengthen Europe’s role as a global leader in clean and digital technologies, underlining the importance of maritime and shipbuilding industries in achieving that goal. The move is part of broader efforts to ensure that Europe’s traditional industrial sectors remain competitive and resilient amid the twin challenges of digitalization and decarbonization.
During a meeting in Brussels, European leaders urged stronger public–private cooperation to accelerate innovation across sectors linked to shipping, shipyards, and logistics. The Council emphasized that investment in green energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital solutions will be essential to maintaining Europe’s industrial competitiveness amid global market pressures and environmental targets.
New Financial Frameworks to Support the Green Transition
The discussions took place as the EU continues to shape its post-2027 research and innovation agenda, including the future of Horizon Europe and the creation of the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). The ECF, currently under development, is intended to provide targeted financial support for strategic industries aligned with Europe’s clean energy and digital transformation goals.
One of the fund’s main priorities — the “clean transition and decarbonization” pillar — will allocate resources to the waterborne transport sector, supporting projects involving low- and zero-emission vessels, port modernization, and digital infrastructure for maritime logistics.
The new instrument will complement Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research program, which aims to strengthen Europe’s scientific and technological foundations. Together, these initiatives are expected to stimulate investment in the blue economy, including shipbuilding, offshore renewable energy, and maritime digitalization.
Industry Collaboration as a Cornerstone
The Waterborne Technology Platform (Waterborne TP), representing a broad coalition of maritime technology stakeholders, welcomed the Council’s conclusions. Its Secretary General, Jaap Gebraad, said that coordinated action between public authorities and private industry will be critical for achieving sustainable growth in the waterborne sector.
“The transition towards a resilient, competitive and sustainable waterborne sector requires a joint and coordinated approach. Pooling public and private resources towards research, development, innovation and its deployment will be key for the sustainable transition of the waterborne sector, and critical for enhancing the technology leadership of its manufacturing industry,” Gebraad said.
According to Gebraad, Waterborne TP is developing a technology roadmap that will define the key milestones for innovation and guide European policy frameworks in the coming years.
“The Waterborne TP is currently developing a technology roadmap, paving the way for a resilient, competitive and sustainable future, and designing the building blocks for Horizon Europe beyond 2027 and the European Competitiveness Fund,” he added.
Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport Partnership
The Council’s recent conclusions also support the renewal of the Partnership on Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport. This initiative promotes sustainable propulsion systems, energy efficiency, and circular design across European shipbuilding and port operations. Gebraad noted that this renewal aligns with the broader industrial policy direction endorsed by the European Council.
“The European Council conclusions of 23 October clearly support this approach,” he said.
Securing Europe’s Maritime Future
Europe’s maritime policy framework now rests on two interlinked pillars: digital transformation and climate neutrality. EU institutions and industry leaders agree that these priorities must progress together to maintain Europe’s influence in global shipping and to ensure a competitive transition towards a low-carbon maritime economy.
The European Council’s latest message reinforces that goal — a call for joint commitment between governments, shipyards, and technology developers to sustain Europe’s position as a leader in clean, innovative, and competitive waterborne transport.
