Greece Must Accelerate Efforts to Meet ‘Green Deal’ Goals, Says EU Commissioner

Photo source: Piraeus Port Authority

Greece must rapidly advance its goals under the European “Green Deal” and implement policies set by the European Commission for cleaner, more modern shipping, according to Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism.

During a recent meeting in Brussels with Greek Minister for Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Christos Stylianides, Tzitzikostas emphasized that Greece will continue to play “a leading role in global shipping” through the “Green Deal”.

The European “Green Deal” is a comprehensive strategy aimed at making the EU economy more sustainable, with a goal of climate neutrality by 2050. The initiative includes measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and foster green practices across sectors such as energy, transport, and agriculture. In the shipping sector, the deal focuses on emission reductions, investment in cleaner technologies, and supporting green initiatives.

During the meeting, Minister Stylianides reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to the Green Deal’s objectives, aligning with both EU and International Maritime Organization (IMO) policies. He stressed the importance of implementing realistic policies to strengthen European shipping, a critical sector for Europe’s economy and energy security. He also highlighted the need for policies that promote territorial cohesion, especially for insular regions.

Greek Maritime Minister Christos Stylianides in Brussels.

The minister also updated Tzitzikostas on Greece’s ongoing initiatives, such as the decarbonization of the shipping industry, the energy transformation of the coastal fleet and upgrades to Greek port infrastructures.

Tzitzikostas expressed satisfaction with the progress of Greece’s adaptation to new environmental standards, particularly with regard to the ministry’s projects and port infrastructure development.

The two officials also discussed the strategic significance of Greece’s ports in the European Commission’s new strategy and the country’s vital role in global shipping. “We agreed to work together to improve connectivity to island regions, especially the more remote Greek islands,” Tzitzikostas stated.

Greek Maritime Minister Christos Stylianides with EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas.

While in Brussels, Stylianides also met with key European officials, including Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Rafaelle Fitto; Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis; and Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Suica.

The Greek minister provided updates on EU-funded projects, their timelines, and discussed ways to strengthen Greece’s maritime sector using EU financial tools.

On their part, European officials reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at modernizing the shipping industry and port infrastructure in an environmentally sustainable manner.