This paper identifies weaknesses and opportunities in current Ecobono formulas (ecological bonus given to Short Sea Shipping users due to maritime transport lower externalities) using a SWOT analysis and presents an alternative European Ecobono. Among major findings we reached are the facts that weaknesses produced or inherent to current formulas as unfair competition between road carriers and budget limitation for the enforcement would be eliminated in case of applying a European alternative. The conclusion derived from the study brings out the idea that it is not possible to achieve collective European objectives by means of measures applied by individual member states.