Audible response

Consultation response on the Commission's ProtectEU strategy

Danske Havne would like to thank you for the opportunity to submit a consultation response to the ProtectEU strategy.

In general, we agree that security is the foundation on which our society is built and that a common European approach to protecting internal security is necessary. We welcome the fact that ports are so clearly highlighted throughout the paper as being crucial in countering new threats, securing the ports themselves, and improving the security of the EU's supply chain. Specifically, we have the following comments:

Background checks in ports ( p. 17, penultimate paragraph):

It is important that the upcoming EU Port Strategy focuses on:

• That responsibility for combating drugs lies with the authorities, which is why the efforts and resources of the police and customs authorities must be strengthened. 
• Ensuring proportionality with a balanced approach to the benefits achieved in relation to the burdens imposed by screening.
• Ports are very different, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. It should therefore be left to the Member States to decide how the system should be organized.
• To secure the workforce in ports, be careful with regulations that reduce the workforce (many port employees may have minor offenses on their criminal records but are still able to work in ports).
• Using soft law (best practices and guidelines) instead of legislation.

Expansion of membership in the EU Port Alliance ( p. 22, bottom paragraph),

Danske Havne agrees that it is important to expand the membership of the Port Alliance to include smaller ports and inland ports, as this will strengthen overall port security, and because experience has shown that when the focus is on the larger ports, there is a tendency for crime to shift. Therefore, everyone must be prepared. However, this requires support for smaller ports, which will not always be equipped to combat large-scale drug trafficking.

Strengthen the framework for travel information ( p. 10, first paragraph)

The Commission will work with the transport sector to strengthen the framework for travel information by looking at how the processing of passenger information for maritime travel can be streamlined. Proportionality is important here, ensuring that the benefits achieved are consistent with any burdens imposed on a port.

We believe that the above can be included directly in the memo and have therefore not prepared a summary.