Nicosia, Cyprus. The Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS) praised Cyprus for strengthening the country’s maritime influence during its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union, which ended on June 30. Cyprus assumed the rotating presidency on January 1 and handed it to Ireland on July 1.
Presidency activities
Cyprus held the Council presidency for the second time, following its first term in 2012.
In its official report, CUS said the presidency was marked by decisive leadership, constructive diplomacy and a strategic vision that strengthened Europe’s maritime agenda and reinforced the Union’s collective priorities.
During the 181-day term, Cyprus organised three summits, 19 informal ministerial meetings and 52 formal ministerial meetings. More than 30,000 visitors travelled to the island for presidency-related events.
Shipping sector participation
CUS participated in several institutional gatherings during the term, including the opening ceremony in Nicosia, the EU Trade Policy Retreat in Geneva and the high-level conference, “Investing in Seafarers – Securing the Future of Global Shipping,” held in Limassol on April 28.
At the Limassol conference, CUS president Polys Hajioannou called for closer cooperation among governments, international organisations and the shipping industry. He said seafarers’ welfare, recognition and visibility should be supported through tangible action.
European Maritime Day
The maritime agenda continued during European Maritime Day in Limassol on May 21 and 22, where policymakers and industry representatives discussed shipping competitiveness, decarbonisation and Europe’s strategic autonomy.
During a panel on blue industrial leadership, Hajioannou supported Europe’s ambition to lead maritime decarbonisation, while stating that the transition should remain realistic and financially sustainable. He described European shipping as a strategic economic pillar and a safeguard of the bloc’s energy security.
Recognition of officials
CUS thanked President Nikos Christodoulides, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos and Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, saying their leadership had been instrumental to the presidency’s achievements.
The union said it looked forward to strengthening cooperation to advance Europe’s maritime future.