With the message that marine policy cannot be limited to environmental goals, but must also support the people who live and work in the sea, Margaritis Schinas, the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Margaritis Schinas participated in the “European Maritime Day 2026″, at Lemesos.
As the Greek minister noted, the sustainability of the seas cannot be disconnected from the sustainability of the coastal communities themselves, noting that fishing is not only about environmental objectives, but is directly linked to the resilience of the coastal communities, safety, social cohesion and the strategic autonomy of Europe.
He stressed that Europe must approach maritime policy in an integrated way, linking the protection of ecosystems with the support of production, local communities and the glacial economy, especially in a period of geopolitical upheaval and increased pressure on supply chains.
Schinas highlighted the need for strong, flexible, simple and innovative financial instruments that will support in practice the people of the sea and coastal economies. The new “Ocean Pact” must combine environmental ambition with economic realism and social cohesion.
She placed particular emphasis on small-scale coastal fishing, noting that for countries like Greece it is not just an economic activity, but an element of social cohesion, local development and cultural identity of island and coastal regions.
In the same context, he highlighted the need for adequate financial support for the modernisation and energy transition of the fishing fleet, the resilience of coastal communities and ensuring food security for Europe, in a period of increased geopolitical and climate pressures.
Finally, the Minister of Rural Development and Food referred to the importance of strengthening the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, supporting the energy transition of the fleet and developing sustainable aquaculture.
