Paula Cabaço Represents Portuguese Ports at European Forum in Brussels
Madeira GuidePaula Cabaço, President of APRAM, represented Portuguese Ports at a key European meeting in Brussels, highlighting Madeira's record cruise passenger numbers.
Paula Cabaço, the President of the Administration of Ports of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (APRAM), represented Portugal at a significant European meeting held on July 2, 2026, in Brussels. This gathering was organized by the Cruise and Ferry group of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO), where key discussions were held among major European port authorities.
One of the focal points of the meeting was to explore the challenges and opportunities within the port sector, especially in light of the recently approved Ports Strategy and the upcoming EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism. This strategic dialogue is crucial as it aims to shape the future of port activities, cruise tourism, and passenger maritime transportation.
During the discussions, updates were provided on the implementation of the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES), which will significantly impact ports that host cruise ships. Additionally, modifications to the European Emissions Trading System (ETS) were debated, a critical step in the ongoing revision of maritime sector regulations.
The participation of APRAM in these talks underscores their commitment to staying abreast of EU legislative initiatives, ensuring that Madeira's ports are aligned with evolving community policies. This involvement is particularly timely, as Madeira celebrates a historic high in cruise tourism, having registered 791,707 cruise passengers between September 2025 and May 2026.
This achievement reflects the robust growth and strategic importance of Madeira's ports, notably the ports of Funchal and Porto Santo, which continue to be pivotal in the region's economic and tourism development.
Sources
Madeira Guide
Author