Early 2026 will be a big moment for Cyprus and a big moment for European transport, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas said Monday, in his keynote speech at the Maritime Cyprus 2025 Conference that is taking place in Limassol.
Referring to the Cyprus EU Presidency that will begin in January, he noted that it will be a defining moment for Europe, and for the transport policy.
"As a great maritime nation, Cyprus will play a leading role in shaping the Maritime Industrial Strategy, the Ports Strategy, and the Military Mobility Package. And it will also play a key role in the first ever European Strategy for Tourism, Which we aim to heave it ready by Easter next year" he said.
The Commissioner noted that Cyprus will also help steer discussions on the EU's next long-term budget, for 2028–2034.
"This will be decisive in setting the level of ambition for our transport and maritime sectors. I trust Cyprus will be a strong ally in ensuring ambitious funding for a competitive, resilient, and secure European transport system" he said, adding that funding that will set transport, including maritime transport, on track for a competitive, resilient and secure future.
"So, I am counting on your support. So yes, early 2026 will be a big moment for Cyprus. And it will also be a big moment for European transport. Together, we can make it a moment that defines our maritime future," he stressed.
Commissioner Tzitzikostas said that Cyprus is more than just a maritime country, it is a global maritime force and a hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, with a proud history of seafaring a modern fleet that ranks among the largest in the European Union.
"Your flag is a symbol of quality and trust. Your shipping industry is not only a cornerstone of the Cypriot economy, but also a pillar of Europe's maritime strength. And your voice carries weight, not just in Europe, but across the global shipping community" he went on to say.
Referring to Europe, the Commissioner said that we can make Europe's maritime sector not only more resilient, but also more competitive, more sustainable, and more secure.
He recalled that the Draghi report highlights the EU's declining share of the global maritime fleet.
"Our fleet keeps growing in absolute terms, but others are expanding faster. Our market share in gross tonnage fell from 38.5% in 2018, to 33.6% in 2024. This is a challenge we must face together, the European Commission, the Member States, and the industry. And we are acting," he stressed.
He also said that Europe's shipbuilding industry faces unfair competition with subsidies in other regions allowing competitors to sell ships 30% or even 40% cheaper than European models.
"China is not alone in this. This is why we are preparing an Industrial Maritime Strategy aiming to reinforce the competitiveness and resilience of our shipbuilding and shipping sectors," Tzitzikostas said.
Referring to ports, he noted that they are the backbone of our supply chains, our energy system and military mobility. "So, the upcoming European Ports Strategy will both strengthen and protect these assets" he concluded.
CNA/SK/AAR/EPH/2025
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
