Limassol: Early 2026 will be a significant milestone for Cyprus and European transport, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas announced during his keynote speech at the Maritime Cyprus 2025 Conference in Limassol. He emphasized the importance of Cyprus taking on the EU Presidency in January, marking it as a pivotal moment for Europe and its transport policy.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Tzitzikostas highlighted Cyprus’s crucial role in shaping the Maritime Industrial Strategy, the Ports Strategy, and the Military Mobility Package. He also mentioned Cyprus’s involvement in crafting the first-ever European Strategy for Tourism, which is anticipated to be ready by Easter next year.
The Commissioner underscored Cyprus’s upcoming responsibilities in guiding discussions on the EU’s next long-term budget from 2028 to 2034. He conveyed confidence in Cyprus’s ability to advocate for substantial funding to ensure a competitive and secure European transport system.
Tzitzikostas also recognized Cyprus as more than just a maritime country, acknowledging its status as a global maritime force with a significant presence at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and Africa. He praised Cyprus’s modern fleet and its substantial contribution to the European Union’s maritime capabilities.
Turning to Europe, he stressed the need for a resilient and competitive maritime sector, citing the Draghi report which notes a decline in the EU’s share of the global maritime fleet. He pointed out the necessity of collective action from the European Commission, Member States, and the industry to address this challenge.
He also addressed the issue of unfair competition faced by Europe’s shipbuilding industry, with subsidies in other regions allowing competitors to sell ships significantly cheaper than those from Europe. Tzitzikostas mentioned the preparation of an Industrial Maritime Strategy to bolster the competitiveness of the EU’s shipbuilding and shipping sectors.
Finally, he highlighted the strategic importance of ports, describing them as essential to supply chains, energy systems, and military mobility. He concluded by stating that the forthcoming European Ports Strategy will aim to enhance and safeguard these vital assets.