Limassol, Cyprus. The blue economy will be central to Europe’s prosperity and resilience in the years ahead, Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanolis said at the closing session of European Maritime Day 2026.
Maritime community gathered in Limassol
Hadjimanolis said the event brought together the full breadth of Europe’s maritime community, including shipping and ports, fisheries, aquaculture, ocean observation, energy transition, coastal resilience and maritime skills.
Cyprus role and responsibilities
She said the discussions carried particular weight for Cyprus, describing the country 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 it remains committed to sustainable shipping, marine protection, maritime safety and innovation.
Europe’s maritime future
Hadjimanolis said the message from Limassol was that Europe’s maritime future cannot be treated as a narrow sectoral issue.
“The future of Europe is deeply connected to the future of our seas and oceans,” she said.
She added that Europe’s future will depend on bringing together sustainability, competitiveness and resilience without treating them as competing priorities.
“No single state, institution or sector can tackle these issues alone. Progress will depend on cooperation, coordination and a shared sense of responsibility,” she said.
Jobs, investment and development
The deputy minister also linked the blue economy to jobs, investment and regional development, saying it creates “growth, quality jobs and strategic opportunities for our regions and communities.”
She said economic development and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand.
In that context, Hadjimanolis pointed to the EU Ocean Pact as an important framework for a more joined-up approach to ocean governance, sustainability, competitiveness and maritime security.
