A meeting between the Greek Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Christos Stylianides, and the EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, took place in Brussels.
Mr. Stylianides visited Commissioner Tzitzikostas at his office at the European Commission headquarters, congratulating him on assuming his new duties and expressing support for European initiatives aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the shipping industry.
During the meeting, discussions centered on maritime affairs and port infrastructure, highlighting their critical importance for Europe and Greece. Emphasis was placed on maintaining Greece’s leading role in global shipping and addressing contemporary challenges in international and European maritime sectors.
The Minister briefed the Commissioner on the Ministry’s ongoing initiatives and projects in key areas, including the decarbonization of shipping, the energy transition of the ferry fleet, the modernization of Greek ports, and the progress of projects funded by European resources.
Commissioner Tzitzikostas underscored the need for Greece to accelerate its efforts toward meeting the objectives of the European Green Deal and implementing European Commission policies for cleaner and more modern shipping, ensuring Greece’s continued global leadership. He also expressed satisfaction with the Ministry’s progress in adapting to new environmental standards, advancing port infrastructure, and enhancing maritime sustainability.
Minister Stylianides thanked the European Commission for its consistent support and emphasized the importance of pragmatic policies to strengthen the competitiveness of European shipping, a strategic sector for both the economy and Europe’s energy security.
“I was delighted to welcome my good friend, the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Christos Stylianides. We discussed the pivotal role of Greece’s ports in the new European strategy we are formulating as the European Commission, as well as the country’s position as a global shipping power. We also agreed to collaborate on strengthening ferry connections for island regions, improving connectivity for the most remote islands,” Commissioner Tzitzikostas stated.
Minister Stylianides remarked, “Today, I had the pleasure of meeting my friend, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas. Greece will support the European Commission’s initiatives to develop robust strategies for shipping and ports. We agreed to work closely to enhance the competitiveness of European shipping and advance the policies of the European Union and the International Maritime Organization.”
