Limassol, Cyprus. Limassol district local government organisation (EOA) president Yiannis Tsouloftas met Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis to discuss cooperation opportunities under the European EIT Water initiative.
Meeting participants and context
The meeting took place on Thursday with the participation of Limassol EOA director general Socrates Metaxas, officials of the organisation and representatives of the Shipping Deputy Ministry. The discussion was held in the context of EIT Water, in which the Limassol EOA participates as a founding member.
About EIT Water
EIT Water is the European Union’s new Knowledge and Innovation Community dedicated to water, marine and maritime sectors, created by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology to accelerate solutions addressing environmental, economic and social pressures on Europe’s water systems.
Network and objectives
The initiative was announced in November 2025 and represents the tenth Knowledge and Innovation Community within the EIT network, bringing together businesses, universities, research institutions, ports, non-governmental organisations and small and medium-sized enterprises. Its objective is to support entrepreneurial education, innovation projects and the creation of new businesses, while connecting innovators, researchers and learners through Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem.
Approach and priorities
The initiative adopts an integrated approach to freshwater, marine and maritime environments, aiming to strengthen the pipeline of talent and accelerate the adoption of new technologies across Europe. EIT Water will prioritise three major challenges: water scarcity and droughts, the degradation of marine and freshwater ecosystems, and the development of a circular and sustainable blue economy.
Cooperation prospects
During the meeting, the participants examined prospects for cooperation and the potential to utilise Cyprus’ strong maritime presence to support European innovation. The discussion also highlighted the strategic importance of maritime activity and marine ecosystems for the development of new technologies and sustainable practices.
What areas of maritime activity do you think could most effectively support innovation under EIT Water?
