Blue Economy key to Europe’s future prosperity says Shipping Minister

The blue economy will be central to Europe’s prosperity and resilience in the years ahead, according to Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanolis.

Speaking at the closing session of European Maritime Day 2026 in Limassol, Hadjimanolis said the event had brought together the full breadth of Europe’s maritime community, from shipping and ports to fisheries, aquaculture, ocean observation, energy transition, coastal resilience and maritime skills.

For Cyprus, she said, the discussions also carried particular weight. As an island state and one of the EU’s leading maritime centres, Cyprus understands “both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with being a maritime country”, she said, adding that the country remains committed to sustainable shipping, marine protection, maritime safety and innovation.

Hadjimanolis also pointed to the EU Ocean Pact as an important framework for a more joined-up approach to ocean governance, sustainability, competitiveness and maritime security. 

She said the pact “provides an important framework to strengthen this vision, promoting a more integrated and coordinated approach to ocean governance, sustainability, competitiveness and maritime security”. 

However, she also warned that Europe’s environmental ambitions must be matched by policies that allow maritime industries to remain competitive in a difficult global environment. 

“Europe must continue to pursue ambitious environmental goals, while ensuring that our maritime industries remain globally competitive, resilient and capable of supporting economic growth and social cohesion,” she said.