Switzerland is stepping up efforts to join the European Union’s port alliance, as it looks to strengthen its role in Europe’s increasingly security-focused logistics landscape.

The alliance, which counts around 200 members including roughly 50 ports, is designed to enhance cooperation across maritime and hinterland networks, with a strong focus on clamping down on illegal drug networks.

Despite being landlocked, Switzerland is closely tied to major gateways such as the port of Antwerp-Bruges and plays a key role in inland distribution via the Rhine corridor.

Speaking during a visit to Antwerp, Switzerland’s justice and police minister outlined three motivations for joining. “Information exchange would be strengthened,” he said, adding that participation would also enable the sharing of best practices and the development of “uniform standards” applicable to both public and private actors.

Regional authorities are also backing the move. Security directors from Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft – both stakeholders in the port of Switzerland – joined the delegation and expressed interest in participation.