A united front between Greece and Italy to shield European shipping from contemporary challenges.
“Greece and Italy will continue to fight together to defend the competitiveness of European shipping and European ports, as well as for a fair and realistic energy transition for the shipping industry that will not burden the average European family,” emphasized Vasilis Kikilias, Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, from Rome, during his participation in the international conference “Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit 2026 – Forging Partnerships for Resilience” and his meetings with Italy’s political leadership and leading representatives of the international shipping community.
During his remarks at the ministerial panel of the International Chamber of Shipping Summit, which was attended by Cyprus’s Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hatzimanoli, Malta’s Minister of Sustainable Mobility, Chris Bonett, and the Administrator of the Panama Canal, Mr. Kikilias highlighted the crucial role of European shipping and European ports in Europe’s competitiveness, noting that 90% of global trade is carried out by sea and that this directly affects societies, the average European family, and the way business is conducted in everyday life.
The minister stressed that Europe must leverage its shipping and ports as a strategic advantage, especially at a time when, as noted in the Draghi report, the European economy is called upon to bridge the competitiveness gap with the United States and China. As he aptly stated, “Over the next quarter-century, major agreements involving shipyards, energy, shipping, marinas, and the cruise industry—which will bring growth and numerous job opportunities—will be conducted by sea.”
He placed particular emphasis on the importance of unity and a common approach among the countries of Southern Europe, stressing that the Greek and Italian shipping communities are strong pillars of the European economy, with a direct link to society and the real economy.
Referring to the Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the transition to new fuels, Mr. Kikilias emphasized the need for realistic and implementable policies that will not undermine European shipping nor shift activity to non-European ports in the Mediterranean. “We want to have ports that serve as hubs for global shipping and do not push our ships toward the southern Mediterranean, toward non-European ports,” he emphasized.
In this context, the minister warned that excessive burdens on the sector will inevitably be passed on to the real economy. “We do not seek to commit political or economic suicide,” he noted, pointing out that the EU bureaucracy must recognize the consequences that unrealistic policies can have on competitiveness, energy, transportation, and product prices.
On the sidelines of the conference, Mr. Kikilias met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Matteo Salvini. During the meeting, which was also attended by the Greek Ambassador to Italy, Ms. Eleni Sourani, they discussed the common challenges facing the Greek and Italian shipping industries, which together account for a particularly significant share of European shipping.
The two sides agreed to continue working together to protect the competitiveness of European ports and to ensure a fair and realistic energy transition for the shipping industry that will not place a financial burden on the average European family. At the same time, they emphasized that by applying common sense, solutions can be promoted that fully leverage the comparative advantage of European shipping, contributing to the flourishing of maritime professions and the prosperity of societies.
At the same time, they highlighted the need to further strengthen cooperation between Greece and Italy, maintaining the resilience of the supply chain, and continuing to promote common positions on issues concerning the future of European shipping and Mediterranean ports.
The minister also met with Cyprus’s Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hatzimanoli, Italy’s Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Edoardo Rixi, and Malta’s Minister of Sustainable Mobility, Chris Bonett. Mr. Kikilias pointed out that the four countries are leaders in European shipping and share a unique common understanding due to their location in the Mediterranean, noting that this cooperation has now become well-established and is yielding tangible results in a sector critical to their economies and societies.
As part of his meetings in Rome, the minister also met with the Chairman of JJ Denholm Limited and incoming President of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), John Denholm, in the presence of ICS Secretary General Thomas Kazakos, as well as with the President of the International Chamber of Shipping and CEO of the Grimaldi Group, Emanuele Grimaldi.
During the discussions, a shared commitment was reaffirmed to the pivotal role of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Chamber of Shipping in shaping policies for the future of global shipping, as well as the need to ensure freedom of navigation and the protection of seafarers during a period of heightened geopolitical challenges.
Focusing on the Greek shipping industry, Mr. Kikilias reiterated that the Greek-owned fleet is the strongest in the world, while linking shipping to the prospect of growth and social advancement for the next generation. “These are well-paying jobs. This is about the future of the next generation of Europeans. This is an opportunity for us to grow again,” he emphasized, noting that countries such as Greece, Italy, and Malta have historically built their power through maritime trade.
