The purpose of this project is twofold: on the one hand, to improve the information used by the Port Authority of Valencia and the companies of the Valenciaport cluster on matters relating to European transport policy, providing them with an in-depth understanding of the regulations that affect our activity; and on the other, to supply regular, systematized information on the different funding programmes that may affect the activity of the Port of Valencia.

Against that backdrop, the ultimate aim is to improve Valenciaport’s positioning in the European context, facilitating access to relevant information generated by European Union institutions and other related organizations, as well as information on the operational programmes of the Spanish government and the Generalitat Valenciana arising from Spain-EU association agreements. Particularly relevant in this area is access to the tools provided by the European Commission for financing innovation projects.

In this regard, the European Union has, for many years, managed a large number of funding programmes that contribute to improving the cohesion and competitiveness of the Member States. They do so by contributing funds to R&D projects, international cooperation, training, or financing infrastructure related to port activity. Areas of focus include the ports directive; port reception facilities for waste; facilitation of trade, customs and security aspects; digitization related to ports and shipping; motorways of the sea; air quality and emissions in maritime and land transport; new technologies in the maritime, port and logistics sector; the circular economy; and marine and coastal tourism; among others. In parallel, the Spanish government and the Generalitat Valenciana generate opportunities stemming from the implementation of operational programmes, which in turn are a result of the Spanish association agreement with the European Union.

To complement the above, and in order to improve the chances of successfully securing funding for specific projects, part of the project involves reaching out to and maintaining a permanent presence in the appropriate forums and working groups at European level.

This project is closely related to the Innovation Committee formed as part of the Valenciaport Cluster Innovation Plan, which will identify the sector’s main R&D needs that may intersect with the identified funding opportunities.