Cyprus is striving to establish itself as a regional maritime and transit hub in the Eastern Mediterranean, a goal now supported by the island’s participation in the European Commission’s public consultation on the Ports Strategy.

According to Minister of Transport Alexis Vafeades, by Monday, July 28, the relevant state services had prepared their recommendations on Cyprus’s role and submitted them to Brussels.

The government has brought multiple stakeholders into the process, requesting input from:

• The Cyprus Ports Authority

• DP World Limassol, Eurogate Container Terminal, and P&O Maritime Cyprus (managers of Limassol port)

• The Cyprus Shipping Chamber and the Association of Shipping Agents

• Trade unions SEK and PEO

• The municipalities of Limassol and Larnaca

• Several ministries directly involved in transport and shipping policy

This inclusive approach aims to ensure that Cyprus’s proposals reflect both national priorities and industry expertise.

Speaking to OffsiteNews, Minister Vafeades explained that Cyprus seeks to build cooperation with neighboring countries such as Egypt, Israel, and other regional states. Collaboration would extend across key areas including:

• Maritime transport

• Humanitarian aid

• Energy projects

• Cybersecurity in shipping and logistics

The minister clarified that Cyprus’s final proposal will be shaped after reviewing all inputs from government services and stakeholders.

The EU Ports Strategy, currently being prepared by the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, is expected to be unveiled in January 2026. The initiative will also form part of the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU in the transport sector.

Cyprus’s proposal will be officially presented by the Minister of Transport in March 2026, positioning the country at the heart of regional and European port development discussions.