At a high-level summit in Rome, Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis championed maritime innovation, seafarer support, and a unified Mediterranean front to safeguard European shipping competitiveness amid shifting geopolitical tides.

Fostering Strategic Alliances in Rome

The Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hadjimanolis, emphasized the importance of cooperation, resilience, and innovation for the future of global shipping in an ever-changing geopolitical environment during her participation in the “Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit 2026 – Forging Partnerships for Resilience” conference, organized in Rome by the International Chamber of Shipping (International Chamber of Shipping – ICS), in collaboration with CONFITARMA, under the auspices of the European Commission in Italy and the Italian government. Marina Hadjimanolis paid a working visit to the Italian capital from June 22 to 24.

According to a Deputy Ministry press release, during the conference, Marina Hadjimanolis participated in a high-level ministerial panel alongside the relevant ministers from Italy, Greece, and Malta, where, in her remarks, she emphasized the importance of cooperation, resilience, and innovation for the future of global shipping in an ever-changing geopolitical environment.

Driving European Maritime Priorities

At the same time, she highlighted the key achievements of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the field of maritime transport, noting that Cyprus effectively addressed the priorities it had set, with an emphasis on the competitiveness of European shipping, the green and digital transition, as well as on strengthening the human factor and seafarers in particular. She also underscored the importance of maintaining a strong international regulatory framework under the IMO.

Mediterranean Ministers Reaffirm Cooperation

It is noted that on the sidelines of the conference, the Deputy Minister participated in a working lunch with Greece’s Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, Malta’s Minister for Sustainable Mobility, Chris Bonett, and Italy’s Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Edoardo Rixi.

As stated, during the meeting common priorities for European shipping were discussed, with an emphasis on the competitiveness of European shipping, the green transition, maritime safety, and the latest developments in marine environmental protection. At the same time, they reaffirmed the excellent relations and shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation between Cyprus, Greece, Malta, and Italy on matters of mutual maritime interest.

Engaging Global Industry Leaders

It is added that on the eve of the conference, Marina Hadjimanolis attended the official dinner organized by the International Chamber of Shipping and CONFITARMA, which provided an important opportunity to exchange views with representatives of the international shipping community, while as part of her visit, the Deputy Minister also held meetings with representatives of European Union institutions and international shipping organizations, including the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez.

Source: CNA(ΚΥΠΕ)