Answer given by Ms Vălean on behalf of the European Commission

5.11.2021

As the Commission pointed out in its replies to written questions E-978/2021 and E-1029/2021, the exceptional circumstances linked to the COVID-19 pandemic have affected the supply and demand for containerised transport.

The Commission is aware of the severe problems that the global shortage of containers and the lengthier procedures in many ports around the world are causing to many businesses.

The Commission is in regular contact with relevant stakeholders to identify any scope for intervention that can facilitate return to normal operations. In this context, it is carefully monitoring market developments, facilitating the dialogue between all actors of the supply chain and it is liaising with competition and transport authorities within and outside the EU[1], as well as cooperating with Member States in the framework of the Green Lanes system[2].

• [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/mex_21_4622
• [2] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council and the Council upgrading the transport Green Lanes to keep the economy going during the COVID-19 pandemic resurgence, COM/2020/685 final.
  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0685