Greece, Cyprus, Malta and Italy have agreed to strengthen their joint presence in European and international shipping negotiations, signing a common declaration in Limassol focused on competitiveness, decarbonisation and realistic measures that take their wider economic impact into account.
The four countries reached the agreement during the ninth Trilateral Shipping Meeting between Cyprus, Greece and Malta, which took place for the first time in an expanded 3+1 format with Italy participating.
Cyprus Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis hosted Greek Shipping Minister Vassilis Kikilias and Malta’s Minister for Sustainable Mobility Chris Bonett. Italy’s Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Edoardo Rixi joined the meeting online, while Ambassador Antonella Cavallari represented Italy in Limassol.
Kikilias highlighted the direct connection between shipping policy and the cost of energy, goods and food, and therefore its impact on the daily lives of European families.
He said the joint declaration reinforced efforts to protect the sector’s competitiveness through realistic, internationally applicable and economically efficient measures. He added that such measures should secure the broadest possible acceptance during critical negotiations at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and within the European Union.
“It is very important for us, after a journey of continuous efforts, to unite our voices on issues concerning European shipping, which directly affect the European economy,” Kikilias said during a joint press conference.
Long-term planning
Addressing geopolitical instability, wars and renewed tensions across the wider region, Kikilias stressed the need for “a very prudent, realistic and substantive policy”.
He also called for medium- and long-term planning to ensure that Europe maintains a leading role in shipping, energy, shipbuilding, ports and port infrastructure.
Kikilias described the meeting as particularly important and expressed confidence that other EU member states would join the initiative.
“I am convinced that other EU member states will come forward and join this approach of realism and common sense,” he said.
