President Nikos Christodoulides, Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas and the head of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners called for new measures affecting shipping to be realistic and workable, at a dinner in Athens on Friday, September 18.
Union president Polys Hajioannou warned that new regulations such as the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime place a disproportionate burden on European shipping, particularly small and medium-sized businesses. He called for a level playing field and a green transition built on mature technology and fuels that are actually available.
Tasoulas said Greece and Cyprus must have a strong, coordinated voice in EU institutions on the green and digital transition of European shipping, so that the changes are competitive, technologically mature and in line with the sector’s real needs.
Christodoulides named decarbonisation, digitalisation, technological change and workforce shortages as the sector’s main challenges. He said every new measure must be realistic, proportionate and applicable worldwide.
Tasoulas also reaffirmed Greece’s unwavering support for a fair and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, based on UN resolutions and the EU acquis. Stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, he said, is directly linked to the safety of navigation and the prosperity of both countries.
He said free and safe navigation underpins global stability and that, at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, the two countries share a responsibility to keep supply chains running without disruption. Christodoulides said Cyprus works closely with Greece and other EU member states on the safety of international shipping, and that the two countries’ cooperation in shipping rests on trust, coordination and a shared will for a strong, competitive future.
Christodoulides described shipping as a fundamental pillar of the Cypriot economy. He thanked the union for its long-standing contribution to strengthening the Cyprus ship register, and cited the growth of the register and Cyprus’s stronger presence at the International Maritime Organization among the sector’s successes. He also pointed to the positive course of the Cypriot economy. Hatzioannou pointed to the steady rise of the Cyprus flag and the long-standing support of Greek shipowners.
The dinner took place at the Four Seasons Astir Palace hotel during the union’s annual general meeting, in honour of Christodoulides. Tasoulas attended.
State and government officials from both countries, EU representatives, diplomats and shipping figures, including representatives of major shipowning families, also attended. Guests included Greek Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos, Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hatzimanoli, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis and European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas. MEP Elisavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, ambassadors of the two countries and US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle were also present.
