Bratislava Port Set for Massive Overhaul: EU Funds Unlock Major Transformation

Slovakia is rewriting its port strategy, and Bratislava is at the center. With EU-backed funding and strategic upgrades, the nation’s waterways are poised to lead European trade innovation.

The Slovak government has approved measures to enable the development of Bratislava’s cargo and passenger port. Through state-owned company Verejné prístavy, the government will acquire port infrastructure previously held by a private entity. This decision unlocks access to European funding and sets the stage for significant investments to transform the Bratislava port into one of Europe’s most modern inland facilities.

The Ministry of Transport, led by Jozef Ráž, is addressing long-standing property-right disputes coming from the period before Verejné prístavy was established. Historically, Verejné prístavy owns the land, but the infrastructure has been under the control of Slovenská plavba a prístavy a.s. (SPaP).

Resolving Ownership Issues

Resolving these property disputes is a critical requirement outlined in strategic development documents for the port. It also aligns with European initiatives promoting inland waterway transport as a sustainable mode of transportation with immense potential. Most importantly, full ownership of port assets is required to access European Union funds. Experts from the European Commission and the European Investment Bank have recommended these ownership changes to the Slovak Ministry of Transport.

The Ministry’s goal is to maximize the use of EU funding, particularly through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) under the Slovakia Program.

Property Appraisal and Strategic Importance of the Port

The port assets’ valuation will be determined by a judicial appraisal to ensure transparency and eliminate any potential disputes.

As Slovakia’s largest public port, Bratislava handles over 90% of the total throughput of the country’s public ports. Strategically positioned at the crossroads of the Rhine-Danube and Baltic-Adriatic corridors within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), the port plays a crucial role in connecting key European transport hubs. Its primary activities include handling bulk goods for the metallurgical, steel, and refinery industries. In addition to cargo operations, Bratislava’s port is also vital for passenger river transport.

A Future Role in Filling the Gap Left by Ukrainian Ports

Looking ahead, Bratislava’s port is expected to take on a pivotal role in compensating for disrupted logistics routes via Ukraine’s sea ports. The facility is poised to handle commodities like grain, machinery products, coal, and iron ore, ensuring their transit to European destinations and overseas markets.