Shipping as a driver of Europe’s strategic role

The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, described shipping as a driving force behind the EU’s competitiveness in his speech at the New Year’s event of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping.

The minister focused on the Draghi plan to strengthen the EU’s competitiveness, focusing on shipping, “which is Europe’s last chance to compete with America and China,” he stressed, adding that a year after the plan was made public, it is still “on paper.”

Sending a message to Brussels, the minister reiterated that Greek-owned shipping constitutes 60% of the European fleet, stressing that Greece’s voice must be heard in the European Union.

The minister focused on the green transition of shipping, for which, as he said, many things should be taken into account.

In particular, he spoke about the additional costs that will be created and passed on to consumers, resulting in inflationary trends for all European economies.

The minister emphasized that the ministry’s main priority is safety at sea, while he also referred to the role that shipping plays in the economy and in job creation.

In addition, Kikilias noted that shipping and tourism are the two foundations of the Greek economy.

Finally, he underlined Greece’s role on the map, as “our seas and ports are at the center of global strategy.”