Kikilias stresses need for realism in the decarbonization of shipping at EU Council in Nicosia

Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Minister Vasilis Kikilias highlighted the need to support naval professions and stressed the need for a realistic approach to decarbonizing shipping, during an informal meeting of EU maritime affairs ministers held in Nicosia, according to an announcement on Thursday.

Kikilias pointed out that the prosperity of sailors froms a vital pillar of the shipping industry and is directly linked to Europe’s competitiveness. He also presented best practices adopted in Greece in the area of naval training, noting that the relevant budget in 2021-2027 was increased by 90 million euros to reach 250 million euros in total, relative to the previous period.

He emphasized the need for realism in relation to European policies for decarbonization in shipping and in the discussion that is taking place on a global level and in the International Maritime Organization.

“We cannot discuss fully ending reliance on fossil fuels in 2050 when the average European family is currently called upon to contend with inflation, a higher cost of living and the energy crisis,” he said, noting that the alternative fuels currently available cover just 0.5% of global demand. If such a burden is placed on shipping, he pointed out, the cost will be passed on to national economies and lead to massively increased inflation, rising energy costs and significantly greater difficulty in daily life.

On the sidelines of the EU Council, Kikilias had a bilateral meeting with French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot, in which they discussed the positive results of a recent visit to Greece by French President Emmanuel Macron, while he invited Tabarot to visit Greece in June for the “Posidonia 2026” international maritime exhibition.

He then met Lithuanian Transport Minister Juras Taminskas for talks on European cooperation and coordination ahead of Greece taking over the rotating EU presidency from Lithuania in the second half of 2027.

amna.gr