The need for the shipping industry to gradually move, “from the current uncertainty, to a predictable environment that will guide future investments and ensure that they will deliver the expected benefits for the environment”, the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Mr. Giannis Plakiotakis pointed out at the 1st Greek-Cypriot Business Summit, on the subject of the road to the decarbonization of the Shipping industry.
Energy transition
“Any new measures, including those of an environmental nature”, noted Mr. Plakiotakis, “must be practical, realistic and feasible, taking into account on the one hand the specific characteristics of each model of maritime activity and on the other hand the central environmental principles – most importantly the principle of “the polluter pays”. In shipping, this means that the cost of the energy transition should be able to be passed on to the ship’s commercial operator.”
“Greece, having a clear orientation and ally of other shipping states of a similar mind, such as Cyprus, will continue to contribute with solid proposals to the ongoing negotiations at EU and International Maritime Organization level on the new environmental legislation, with the aim of adopting regulations after the adoption of clean energy in a comprehensive way, without compromising the sovereignty of European shipping and the resilience of our economies, especially the growth prospects and prosperity of the most vulnerable citizens such as islanders “.
The war in Ukraine
Referring to the crisis in Ukraine, Mr. Plakiotakis noted that “our two main priorities are: first, to address threats to the safety of navigation and, above all, seafarers, and second, the economic impact on shipping, such as the further increase in the cost of shipping fuel.” In terms of EU sanctions against Russia, “our concern”, said Mr. Plakiotakis, “is to preserve the message that must be sent to the attacking state, but at the same time ensuring the basic principle that we must not harm our own economies more than that of the attacking state. Sanctions should be accompanied by a documented impact analysis to avoid shortages of critical goods for the operation of equally critical sectors of the European economy – including our own shipping.”
Greece-Cyprus maritime connection
Finally, regarding the Greek-Cypriot ferry connection, Mr. Plakiotakis spoke about the “valuable contribution of the European Commission”, thanks to which “it was possible to realize a mutual pursuit of Greece and Cyprus”. “From the first moment, the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy”, he added, “supported with all means at its disposal this initiative and now after 21 whole years, Greeks and Cypriots will be able to travel by sea transporting their private vehicle, while we should not forget the important imprint that this ferry connection is expected to leave on the tourism of both countries.”
στο Google News και μάθετε πρώτοι όλες τις ειδήσειςLatest News
Public Services in Greece to Go Under Review with New Rating Tool
Public services will receive their evaluation scores and feedback directly, fostering a system of accountability and continuous improvement.
Istanbul Earthquake – Greek Prof. Concerned Major Quake Yet to Strike
Responding to concerns over whether a potential major quake in Istanbul could affect Greece, Papazachos was reassuring: “The fault extends as far as Lemnos and the Northern Sporades, but it doesn’t rupture all at once. An earthquake in Istanbul doesn’t have the capacity to directly affect Greek territory.”
Greece 4th Most Popular Summer Destination for Europeans
Southern Europe remains the top choice for Europeans at 41%, though down 8% from last year, likely due to rising temperatures and climate concerns.
Easter Sales Performance and the Source of €4–5 Million in Losses
Easter retail sales were relatively weak this year, with the only "real winners" being the livestock farmers who had lambs to sell.
Hotel Foreclosures Continue to Plague Greece’s Islands
A surge in hotel foreclosures across Greece’s islands threatens small tourism businesses, despite booming visitor numbers and record-breaking travel in 2024.
Athens Launches Task Force to Safeguard Historic City Center
The new municipal unit will ensure compliance to zoning laws, curb noise, and address tourist rental issues starting from the Plaka district.
WTTC: Travel & Tourism to Create 4.5M New Jobs in EU by 2035
This year, international visitor spending is set to reach 573 billion euros, up by more than 11% year-on-year
IMF: US Tariffs Shake Global Economy, Outlook Downbeat
IMF slashes global growth forecast to 2.8% as U.S. tariffs create uncertainty and ‘negative supply shock
First Step Towards New Audiovisual Industry Hub in Drama
The project is set to contribute to the further development of Greece’s film industry and establish Drama as an audiovisual hub in the region
Airbnb Greece – Initial CoS Ruling Deems Tax Circular Unlawful
The case reached the Council of State following annulment applications filed by the Panhellenic Federation of Property Owners (POMIDA)
![Accor: Η βιωσιμότητα «κλειδί» για την ανάπτυξη και ανθεκτικότητα του ελληνικού τουρισμού [έρευνα]](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/thumbnail-90x90.jpg)
![Οι αλλαγές που υπάρχουν στα φορολογικά έντυπα για τα εισοδήματα του φορολογικού έτους 2024 από ακίνητα [Γ’ Μέρος]](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/akinita-600x400.jpeg)
