Criminal-record checks are already standard for private security personnel across EU Member States, but implementation differs and delays can reach up to three months. Such delays reduce workforce availability and undermine rapid reaction capacity in ports.

CoESS supports minimum common EU standards for checks of critical personnel at ISPS facilities. These should be implemented through existing national systems, avoid duplication and additional costs, and ensure faster and more predictable procedures. EU action can also add value by promoting secure cross-border information exchange and clarifying data protection aspects .

At the same time, background checks alone are not sufficient. They must be part of a broader port security architecture including access management, insider threat policies, continuous training and strong public-private cooperation .

Procurement and quality: key to real security

Security standards must also be enforced through public procurement. CoESS calls for mandatory compliance with labour, port security and sectoral legislation as a selection criterion, and for a stronger weighting of quality over price (e.g. 60/40) in contract awards . Certification under EN 17483-3 (Port and Maritime Security Services) should be promoted as an award criterion.

Only a combined approach - harmonised standards, effective vetting, cross-border cooperation and quality-driven procurement - will strengthen resilience without paralysing port operations .

Read the full position paper here.