Plan to curb China’s growing influence in EU ports takes shape

EU Drafts Strategy to Limit China's Influence on Key Maritime Assets

Plan to curb China s growing - The European Union is finalizing measures to address China's expanding role in critical port operations, as revealed in a recent Council document reviewed by Euronews. While the text does not directly name China, it highlights concerns about foreign investment, ownership of strategic infrastructure, and the potential for geopolitical risks. These elements collectively indicate a growing apprehension over China's economic and military foothold in European maritime hubs.

Chinese state-backed firms, such as COSCO Shipping, have established significant holdings in major EU ports, including the Hamburg and Rotterdam ports in Germany, as well as the Piraeus Port in Greece. This latter facility is often described as a vital link between Beijing and the European continent, underscoring its strategic importance. The draft conclusions, proposed by the European Commission in December 2025, signal a shift in how European leaders view port infrastructure. Previously seen as mere commercial gateways, ports are now recognized as essential components of supply chains, energy security, and military logistics.

The new strategy emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance regarding foreign ownership in port operations. It aims to safeguard logistics security and counter competition from third countries, according to the Council's proposal. Transport ministers are set to endorse these declarations, which seek to prevent excessive foreign control over critical port assets. The emphasis is on mitigating risks like organized crime infiltration, particularly in areas vital for military mobility and economic stability.

For over a decade, Chinese companies have steadily increased their presence across European maritime networks, acquiring stakes in terminals and logistics assets from the Mediterranean to the North Sea. Initially viewed as a matter of trade and investment, this trend has evolved into a security issue. The Port of Hamburg, for instance, saw its acquisition supported by former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during his tenure from 2021 to 2022. His rationale centered on enhancing Germany's trade position and preserving the port's competitive edge in the European market.

However, several German officials raised alarms about the implications of Chinese ownership. They warned that such control could lead to economic and political dependencies reminiscent of the country's reliance on Russian energy. This concern was amplified by the price shocks experienced during Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. German MEP Jens Gieseke, representing the European People's Party (EPP) in the transport and tourism committee, has endorsed the Commission's initiative. He pointed out that China's stake in over twenty European ports, including Hamburg and Rotterdam, has created a significant exposure that cannot be overlooked.

"China today holds stakes in more than twenty European ports – including the Port of Hamburg and the Port of Rotterdam," said Gieseke. "The Port of Piraeus is even fully controlled by Chinese operators. This level of exposure in critical infrastructure cannot be ignored."

EU leaders are now concerned that port ownership could translate into strategic leverage for China. With nearly three-quarters of the EU's external trade passing through ports, the bloc has prioritized protecting these facilities from potential foreign manipulation. The Council's document outlines a push for more rigorous scrutiny of investments, particularly focusing on assessing foreign control and implementing regulatory measures. Member states stress the importance of maintaining an attractive investment environment while ensuring that trustworthy partners are not deterred.

The geopolitical climate has played a crucial role in shaping this shift. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, and concerns over economic coercion have prompted European governments to reevaluate vulnerabilities in key infrastructure. Ports, as central nodes in global trade, are now seen as potential targets for strategic interference. The Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) has highlighted that the issue with Piraeus lies not in its concession rights but in the infrastructure tailored for Chinese operations. This setup could facilitate intelligence gathering, posing risks to EU security.

Transport ministers are also looking beyond EU borders to monitor investments in neighboring third countries. They argue that developments outside the bloc can indirectly impact European supply chains, competitiveness, and resilience. This underscores a broader realization that influence over maritime routes extends beyond national frontiers. The strategy aims to create a unified approach to safeguarding port operations, ensuring that both economic and military interests are protected.

While the proposal does not entirely block Chinese investments, it introduces a framework for stronger oversight. This includes guidelines for evaluating foreign ownership and applying control mechanisms. The goal is to balance the benefits of international collaboration with the need for strategic autonomy. By doing so, the EU hopes to reduce the risk of infrastructure becoming a tool for geopolitical leverage.

As the draft conclusions approach final approval, the focus remains on maintaining a robust and secure port network. The proposed measures reflect a proactive stance against external pressures, particularly in light of recent global events. European leaders are determined to ensure that critical assets remain under reliable control, safeguarding the bloc's interests in an increasingly interconnected world.