On 17 June 2026, Ambassador Insider Series convened a closed-door session in Brussels on “Port Security, Geopolitics and the Strategic Role of European Ports,” bringing together ambassadors and senior diplomatic representatives for a focused discussion on the evolving role of ports in Europe’s economic and security landscape.

The exchange featured Tom Monballiu, Global Partnerships Director at Port of Antwerp-Bruges, and Mihai Sebastian Chihaia, Policy Analyst at the European Policy Centre, who shared their perspectives on how ports are increasingly positioned at the intersection of trade, infrastructure, security, and geopolitics.

The discussion explored the strategic importance of European ports in supporting supply chain resilience, customs cooperation, energy transition, and international connectivity. Key themes included maritime security, the impact of global geopolitical tensions on trade routes, and the role of ports as critical infrastructure within Europe’s broader economic and strategic framework.

Participants also examined how ports such as Antwerp-Bruges contribute not only to logistics and commerce, but also to wider policy priorities including economic competitiveness, resilience, sustainability, and cooperation with international partners. The conversation underlined the need for coordination between public authorities, port operators, businesses, and diplomatic stakeholders to address emerging risks while maintaining secure and efficient trade flows.

Overall, the session provided a substantive exchange on the challenges and opportunities facing European ports at a time when maritime infrastructure plays an increasingly central role in Europe’s security, economic resilience, and global engagement.