{"id":1979004,"date":"2026-06-08T11:50:09","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T08:50:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1979004"},"modified":"2026-06-08T11:50:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T08:50:09","slug":"plan-to-curb-chinas-growing-influence-in-eu-ports-takes-shape","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1979004","title":{"rendered":"Plan to curb China&#8217;s growing influence in EU ports takes shape"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/78\/83\/62\/1200x675_cmsv2_4147e4c5-a32e-5bdd-9534-9cc8310ba323-9788362.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2900237-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2900237\" data-cid=\"9789799\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2900237-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/78\/97\/99\/189x106_cmsv2_f3bb607a-dc7c-5678-9f85-f26dd9c1b623-9789799.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Latest news bulletin | June 8th, 2026 \u2013 Evening\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Top News Stories Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Latest news bulletin | June 8th, 2026 \u2013 Evening\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2900225-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2900225\" data-cid=\"9789702\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2900225-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" 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width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    What is &#8216;Kushner Island&#8217; and why are Albanians protesting about it?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2900237-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2900237\" data-cid=\"9789799\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2900237-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/78\/97\/99\/189x106_cmsv2_f3bb607a-dc7c-5678-9f85-f26dd9c1b623-9789799.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Latest news bulletin | June 8th, 2026 \u2013 Evening\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Top News Stories Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Latest news bulletin | June 8th, 2026 \u2013 Evening\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2900225-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2900225\" data-cid=\"9789702\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2900225-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/78\/97\/02\/189x106_cmsv2_159bee5e-194b-5c68-a388-0622b473d886-9789702.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Real Madrid&apos;s Lassana Diarra of France (right) in 2009.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Diarra and FIFA settle \u20ac65m transfer case without damages\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2900194-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2900194\" data-cid=\"9789779\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2900194-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/78\/94\/75\/189x106_cmsv2_45a8f53c-fa8c-537f-bad6-a0052aaeacc9-9789475.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Containers are stacked at the Port 2000 terminal in the port of Le Havre.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Business<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Le Havre: 38,000 pairs of fake trainers smashed to pieces\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2900196-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2900196\" data-cid=\"9789477\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2900196-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/78\/94\/77\/189x106_cmsv2_f0935062-b3ed-5372-8a6c-d317d98cc38b-9789477.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The government plans to change the island, a former military area for decades, into an attraction to boost tourism. 14 April, 2015. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    What is &#8216;Kushner Island&#8217; and why are Albanians protesting about it?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Plan to curb China&#8217;s growing influence in EU ports takes shape<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/78\/83\/62\/1536x864_cmsv2_4147e4c5-a32e-5bdd-9534-9cc8310ba323-9788362.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"A container ship of Chinese Cosco shipping lies in the harbor in Hamburg, Germany, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. \"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              A container ship of Chinese Cosco shipping lies in the harbor in Hamburg, Germany, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022.<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo \/ Michael Probst<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo \/ Michael Probst\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspMarta Pacheco\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1780919409\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-06-08 13:50:09 +02:00\">08\/06\/2026 &#8211; 13:50 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" 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u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"telegram\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Telegram<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        A draft document seen by Euronews shows that EU transport ministers are preparing guidance for member states on how to assess foreign investment in EU ports and apply controls to counter China&#8217;s influence.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>The European Union is preparing new guidance to combat China&#8217;s increasingly concerning reach into the bloc&#8217;s critical maritime infrastructure, according to a Council document seen by Euronews.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>While the document doesn&#8217;t explicitly mention China, references to foreign investment screening, ownership of critical infrastructure, geopolitical threats and strategic autonomy leave little doubt about the underlying concern.<\/p>\n<p>Chinese state-linked companies like COSCO Shipping hold stakes in major EU ports, including the Ports of Hamburg and Rotterdam in Germany, and the Port of Piraeus in Greece is often referred to as Beijing&#8217;s &#8220;gateway to Europe&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>The draft Council conclusions, proposed by the European Commission last December and due to be approved by transport ministers on Monday, reflect a profound shift in European thinking from treating ports merely as commercial gateways to viewing them as strategic assets that underpin supply chains, energy security and military mobility.<\/p>\n<p>The nascent strategy &#8220;addresses competition with third countries and foreign ownership and strengthens logistics security&#8221;, reads the Commission proposal.<\/p>\n<p>EU transport ministers will back declarations &#8220;aiming to avoid undue foreign ownership or control of critical port infrastructures and operations, including risks related to organised crime infiltration, especially those relevant for military mobility and the Union&#8217;s economic security,&#8221; according to the Council document.<\/p>\n<h2>China&#8217;s influence<\/h2>\n<p>For more than a decade, Chinese state-linked companies have been expanding their presence across European maritime networks, acquiring stakes in terminals and logistics assets from the Mediterranean to Northern Europe. What once appeared to be a question of investment and trade is now increasingly viewed as a matter of security.<\/p>\n<p>The Port of Hamburg deal was supported by former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz between 2021 and 2022, arguing that it would strengthen Germany&#8217;s trade position and maintain the city&#8217;s competitiveness as a major European port. <\/p>\n<p>But several German government figures warned at the time that Chinese ownership of critical infrastructure could create economic and political dependencies similar to the country&#8217;s previous reliance on Russian energy, which left it badly exposed to price shocks when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. <\/p>\n<p>German MEP Jens Gieseke, spokesman for the transport and tourism committee in the European Parliament on behalf of the European People&#8217;s Party (EPP), has welcomed the Commission&#8217;s new proposal.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cChina today holds stakes in more than twenty European ports \u2013 including the Port of Hamburg and the Port of Rotterdam,&#8221; he said. &#8220;The Port of Piraeus is even fully controlled by Chinese operators. This level of exposure in critical infrastructure cannot be ignored.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"1.448225923244026\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/78\/83\/62\/808x1171_cmsv2_9d81f4a6-780e-5a25-ab19-62adf1c9d9ff-9788362.jpg\" alt=\"MERICS\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">MERICS<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">MERICS<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>EU leaders now appear concerned that ownership stakes in ports could translate into strategic leverage over infrastructure that has become increasingly important for both economic and military purposes.<\/p>\n<p>At the heart of the Council document is a call for stronger scrutiny of foreign investments in ports, in particular the &#8220;intention to provide guidance on assessing foreign investment&#8221; in EU ports as well as &#8220;applying controls&#8221;. <\/p>\n<p>Nonetheless, transport ministers are cautious not to spoil the &#8220;investment environment for European ports&#8221; and to &#8220;avoid deterring trustworthy investors&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>The geopolitical backdrop is hard to ignore. Russia&#8217;s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East and growing concerns over economic coercion have pushed European governments to reassess vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Ports, which handle nearly three-quarters of the EU&#8217;s external trade, sit at the centre of those concerns.<\/p>\n<p>The Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) has warned that the problem with the Port of Piraeus is not Chinese concession rights per se, which the think tank said &#8220;would be irrelevant in a state of war&#8221;, but Chinese-fitted commercial port infrastructure which could be used for intelligence gathering.<\/p>\n<h2>Expanding monitoring beyond EU ports<\/h2>\n<p>The Council&#8217;s draft conclusions also signal unease about foreign influence beyond EU borders. <\/p>\n<p>Member states are calling for closer monitoring of investments in ports located in neighbouring third countries, warning that developments outside the EU can affect the competitiveness, security and resilience of European supply chains.<\/p>\n<p>This reflects growing awareness that influence over maritime routes does not stop at the EU&#8217;s external frontier. <\/p>\n<p>A port developed, financed or controlled by strategic competitors in North Africa, the Balkans or the Eastern Mediterranean could alter trade patterns and potentially reduce the importance of nearby EU facilities, the document warns.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  EU must act before China cripples European industries, warns EPP chief<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Trade commissioner pledges \u2018new tool\u2019 to diversify suppliers and cut reliance on China <\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  EU trade chief to meet China envoy amid heated trade tensions<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Foreign Investment<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  EU Policy<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  ports<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  China<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  European Union<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2900127-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2900127\" data-cid=\"9789189\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2900127-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/78\/91\/89\/320x180_cmsv2_81c11a72-c18e-5935-8ff6-e05954dd3449-9789189.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Road users cross a junction at the &apos;Leipziger Strasse&apos; (Leipzig Street) in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, June 10, 2021. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Seven EU countries push Brussels to stick to car emission rules<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2900213-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2900213\" data-cid=\"9789592\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2900213-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/78\/95\/92\/320x180_cmsv2_954eaaf0-7619-5e05-bd88-b357203e6e64-9789592.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"a soldier reacts as an MRLS BM-21 &quot;Grad&quot; fires at the Russian positions near Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region, Ukraine, June 4, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Soldiers, not talks will decide Russia&#8217;s war in Ukraine, Lavrov says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2900196-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2900196\" data-cid=\"9789477\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2900196-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/78\/94\/77\/320x180_cmsv2_f0935062-b3ed-5372-8a6c-d317d98cc38b-9789477.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The government plans to change the island, a former military area for decades, into an attraction to boost tourism. 14 April, 2015. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    What is &#8216;Kushner Island&#8217; 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(Leipzig Street) in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, June 10, 2021. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Seven EU countries push Brussels to stick to car emission rules<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2900213-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2900213\" data-cid=\"9789592\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2900213-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/78\/95\/92\/320x180_cmsv2_954eaaf0-7619-5e05-bd88-b357203e6e64-9789592.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"a soldier reacts as an MRLS BM-21 &quot;Grad&quot; fires at the Russian positions near Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region, Ukraine, June 4, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Soldiers, not talks will decide Russia&#8217;s war in Ukraine, Lavrov says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2900196-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2900196\" data-cid=\"9789477\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2900196-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/78\/94\/77\/320x180_cmsv2_f0935062-b3ed-5372-8a6c-d317d98cc38b-9789477.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The government plans to change the island, a former military area for decades, into an attraction to boost tourism. 14 April, 2015. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    What is &#8216;Kushner Island&#8217; and why are Albanians protesting about it?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2900034-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2900034\" data-cid=\"9788583\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2900034-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/78\/85\/83\/320x180_cmsv2_3dd86098-e832-5d15-b40e-8f11841b8705-9788583.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Supporters of Armenia&apos;s ruling Civil Contract party leading by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan hold up heart signs while gathering in Republic Square in Yerevan, 5 June, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Pashinyan hails &#8216;historic victory&#8217; in Armenia&#8217;s decisive election<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2899989-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2899989\" data-cid=\"9788411\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2899989-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/78\/84\/18\/320x180_cmsv2_05f4cf30-94fe-51e1-93c5-1c6d1c4fe1c4-9788418.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"ap\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran&#8217;s military announces &#8216;suspension&#8217; of attacks on Israel<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2899989-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2899989\" data-cid=\"9788411\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran&#8217;s military announces &#8216;suspension&#8217; of attacks on Israel<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2899935-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2899935\" data-cid=\"9788151\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Pompeii excavations reveal equid skeleton<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2898897-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2898897\" data-cid=\"9783298\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Alternatives to air con: Cheap and easy ways to cool your home<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2899168-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2899168\" data-cid=\"9784752\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Divers capture the first ever video of a great white shark in the Med<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2899946-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2899946\" data-cid=\"9788335\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u20ac44 for two ice creams in Rome, what would you do?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">The European Union is preparing new guidance to combat China&#8217;s increasingly concerning reach into the bloc&#8217;s critical maritime infrastructure, according to a Council document seen by Euronews.While the document doesn&#8217;t explicitly mention China, references to foreign investment screening, ownership of critical infrastructure, geopolitical threats and strategic autonomy leave little doubt about the underlying concern.Chinese state-linked companies like\u00a0COSCO Shipping\u00a0hold stakes in major EU ports, including the Ports of Hamburg and Rotterdam in Germany, and the Port of Piraeus in Greece is often referred to as Beijing&#8217;s &#8220;gateway to Europe&#8221;.The draft Council conclusions, proposed by the European Commission last December and due to be approved by transport ministers on Monday, reflect a profound shift in European thinking from treating ports merely as commercial gateways to viewing them as strategic assets that underpin supply chains, energy security and military mobility.The nascent strategy &#8220;addresses competition with third countries and foreign ownership and strengthens\u00a0logistics\u00a0security&#8221;, reads the Commission proposal.EU transport ministers will back declarations &#8220;aiming to avoid undue foreign ownership or control of critical port infrastructures and operations, including risks related to organised crime infiltration, especially those relevant for military mobility and the Union&#8217;s economic security,&#8221; according to the Council document.China&#8217;s influenceFor more than a decade, Chinese state-linked companies have been expanding their presence across European maritime networks, acquiring stakes in terminals and logistics assets from the Mediterranean to Northern Europe. What once appeared to be a question of investment and trade is now increasingly viewed as a matter of security.The Port of Hamburg deal was supported by former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz between 2021 and 2022, arguing that it would strengthen Germany&#8217;s trade position and maintain the city&#8217;s competitiveness as a major European port.But several German government figures warned at the time that Chinese ownership of critical infrastructure could create economic and political dependencies similar to the country&#8217;s previous reliance on Russian energy, which left it badly exposed to price shocks when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.German MEP Jens Gieseke, spokesman for the transport and tourism committee in the European Parliament on behalf of the European People&#8217;s Party (EPP), has welcomed the Commission&#8217;s new proposal.\u201cChina today holds stakes in more than twenty European ports \u2013 including the Port of Hamburg and the Port of Rotterdam,&#8221; he said. &#8220;The Port of Piraeus is even fully controlled by Chinese operators. This level of exposure in critical infrastructure cannot be ignored.\u201dEU leaders now appear concerned that ownership stakes in ports could translate into strategic leverage over infrastructure that has become increasingly important for both economic and military purposes.At the heart of the Council document is a call for stronger scrutiny of foreign investments in ports, in particular the &#8220;intention to provide guidance on assessing foreign investment&#8221; in EU ports as well as &#8220;applying controls&#8221;.Nonetheless, transport ministers are cautious not to spoil the &#8220;investment environment for European ports&#8221; and to &#8220;avoid deterring trustworthy investors&#8221;.The geopolitical backdrop is hard to ignore. Russia&#8217;s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East and growing concerns over economic coercion have pushed European governments to reassess vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Ports, which handle nearly three-quarters of the EU&#8217;s external trade, sit at the centre of those concerns.The Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) has warned that the problem with the Port of Piraeus is not Chinese concession rights per se, which the think tank said &#8220;would be irrelevant in a state of war&#8221;, but Chinese-fitted commercial port infrastructure which could be used for intelligence gathering.Expanding monitoring beyond EU portsThe Council&#8217;s draft conclusions also signal unease about foreign influence beyond EU borders.Member states are calling for closer monitoring of investments in ports located in neighbouring third countries, warning that developments outside the EU can affect the competitiveness, security and resilience of European supply chains.This reflects growing awareness that influence over maritime routes does not stop at the EU&#8217;s external frontier.A port developed, financed or controlled by strategic competitors in North Africa, the Balkans or the Eastern Mediterranean could alter trade patterns and potentially reduce the importance of nearby EU facilities, the document warns.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/06\/08\/plan-to-curb-chinas-growing-influence-in-eu-ports-takes-shape&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/78\/83\/62\/1200x675_cmsv2_4147e4c5-a32e-5bdd-9534-9cc8310ba323-9788362.jpg&#8221;] Top News Stories Today Latest news bulletin | June 8th, 2026 \u2013 Evening Europe News Diarra and FIFA settle \u20ac65m transfer case without damages Business Le Havre: 38,000 pairs of fake trainers smashed to pieces Europe News What is &#8216;Kushner Island&#8217; and why are Albanians protesting about it? Top News Stories Today [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1979004","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1979004","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1979004"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1979004\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1979004"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1979004"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1979004"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}