Cyprus will place the competitiveness of the maritime industry high on its agenda when it assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026, Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis has said.
Speaking at the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) Cyprus Branch Annual Dinner Dance in Limassol, Hadjimanolis announced that an Informal Ministerial Meeting on maritime affairs will be held in April 2026 as part of Cyprus’ EU Presidency program.
At the meeting, she said, EU ministers are expected to adopt a declaration on seafarer education as well as on the promotion and enhancement of women’s inclusivity in the maritime sector. The declaration will highlight the importance of building a sustainable and inclusive maritime workforce to strengthen resilience and ensure a forward-looking shipping industry.
“The challenges we face, such as climate change, sustainable development, and the quest for cleaner and greener technologies, require innovative and collective solutions,” Hadjimanolis noted, stressing that collaboration is key to securing a sustainable maritime environment.
The Deputy Minister praised IMarEST for its role as a global authority in marine engineering, science and technology, and for its contributions as an advisor to the Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry. She also invited participants to attend the Maritime Cyprus 2025 Conference, taking place from October 6–8 in Limassol.
IMarEST, founded 136 years ago, is the only international organization for marine professionals with more than 18,000 members across 120 countries.
(Source: CNA)
