Greece – France Agree to Work Together in Maritime Economy

Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Minister Christos Stylianides and Environment and Energy, Theodoros Skylakakis, and French Secretary of State for the Sea and Biodiversity Hervé Berville.

Greece and France signed a declaration of intent this week outlining actions aimed at strengthening the maritime economy.

The declaration was signed by the ministers of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Minister Christos Stylianides and Environment and Energy, Theodoros Skylakakis, and French Secretary of State for the Sea and Biodiversity Hervé Berville.

Among others, the declaration foresees regular consultation sessions on preparations for the 2025 UN Ocean Conference to be held in Nice on June 9-13, 2025; consultations on the development of offshore wind energy units through the exchange of knowhow and synergies; identifying joint actions or investment opportunities in the shipping sector as well as cooperation on the upgrade of ports in Greece and France to meet European and international environmental standards.

Ambassador of France to Greece Laurence Auer (second from the left), Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Minister Christos Stylianides and Environment and Energy, Theodoros Skylakakis, and French Secretary of State for the Sea and Biodiversity Hervé Berville.

The two countries will also tap into available resources to carry out research, exchange methods and tools, and mobilize relevant partners for the development and achievement of projects under the agreement.

Greece and France are currently working together to stop deep-sea mining, to advance negotiations for a global treaty to combat plastic waste, and to implement actions that will protect the oceans through the strengthening of marine protected areas.

The declaration of intent is within the framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and of relevant EU initiatives.