What May Ship Suppliers Expect on the Wake of the Belgium Presidency of the EU in 2024
Nico Proios, Voorzitter of K.B.B.S. – R.B.S.A., the Koninklijke Belgische Beroepsvereniging der Scheepsbevoorraders (Royal Belgian Shipsuppliers Association) reflects on the upcoming Belgium EU Presidency of Belgium
As the Belgium Presidency of the European Union (EU) is coming in 2024, it is essential for shipsuppliers to be aware of what they can expect in terms of changes and policies that may affect their industry. The Belgium Presidency aims to promote a sustainable and digital Europe, which will undoubtedly have an impact on the shipping industry. As we look forward to this Presidency, it's essential to understand what ship suppliers may expect.
The Presidency of the EU rotates every six months among its member states. Each Presidency sets its priorities, which are often based on current issues facing the region. The Belgium Presidency will have crucial implications for the maritime industry, particularly for ship suppliers.
One of the main goals of the Belgium Presidency is to promote a sustainable and climate-neutral Europe. This aligns with the European Green Deal initiative, which aims to make the EU a net-zero greenhouse gas emitter by 2050. Ship suppliers should expect increased regulations focusing on reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy.
Additionally, there may be more significant emphasis on waste management and environmental protection laws. The EU has already adopted various maritime policies aimed at reducing marine pollution and promoting sustainable fishing practices. However, there is still work to be done, particularly in addressing plastic pollution in our oceans. Ship suppliers can expect stricter regulations on plastic packaging materials, as well as incentives to use eco-friendly alternatives.
Another area of focus during the Belgium Presidency is digitalization. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for digital transformation across all industries, and the maritime sector is no exception. The Presidency plans to prioritize digital infrastructure investments that will enhance connectivity and data-sharing capabilities in ports and at sea.
Ship suppliers should expect more advanced technological solutions within the maritime industry, such as automated container handling systems and real-time tracking systems. These technologies will improve efficiency and productivity while reducing costs associated with manual labor.
Another aspect that may affect shipsuppliers during the Belgium Presidency is digitalization. The EU has prioritized digital transformation in various sectors, including shipping. There may be new initiatives and policies aimed at promoting digitalization in the supply chain, such as electronic documentation and data exchange platforms. These initiatives will ultimately lead to more efficient and secure trade for shipsuppliers
Finally, another critical priority during the Belgium Presidency is strengthening Europe's role in global trade. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted world trade patterns, but this presents an opportunity for Europe to reshape its economic relationships with other countries.
Ship suppliers can expect increased collaboration between EU member states in pursuing free trade agreements with other nations. Additionally, there may be efforts to increase cooperation among various maritime industries throughout Europe to strengthen their competitive advantage in global markets.
In conclusion, ship suppliers can expect a range of changes during the Belgium Presidency of the EU in 2024. Increased focus on sustainability initiatives such as reducing carbon emissions and waste management laws are likely to impact businesses operating within the maritime industry.
Moreover, improvements towards digitalization technologies and data-sharing capabilities can result in enhanced efficiency and reduced expenses within the industry. Lastly, efforts towards establishing stronger international relationships with other countries can further businesses expansion opportunities worldwide.
Overall, it's vital for ship suppliers to stay updated on these changes and prepare themselves accordingly by adopting innovative solutions that promote sustainability and prioritize efficient operations within their businesses.
