​​Upon invitation of EA President Karl Vanlouwe, the EA Group Bureau members visited on 13 February, Port of Antwerp-Bruges to discuss its role within Flanders, Europe and beyond.

After taking part in a briefing session and discussion with policy experts, they met Ms Annick De Ridder, Vice Mayor of Antwerp, with responsibility of the Port who outlined its strategic importance as well as the link with the city.

The Port of Antwerp which merged in 2021 with the port of Bruges, is Europe's second-largest port that connect Europe to over 800 destinations in the world and the largest export port. It is home to 1400 companies and a major cluster of chemical industry.

Its central position in North-West Europe and its excellent connections to globally reputed industrial centers have led to Antwerp becoming a very important link in the chain of international trade.

With around 231 million tons of international maritime freight being handled annually, 164000 direct and  indirect jobs provided and more than €20 billion added value, the Flemish Antwerp-Bruges port is the engine of Belgium economy

The port and serves as hub for sustainable growth innovation, notably in the field of energy transition, digitalisation and mobility, thus making it a strategically important port for Flemish economy and Europe's gateway​.

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