The 4th European Maritime Space Forum took place in Limassol on 16 April, 2026, under the auspices of Gesine Meissner, European Coordinator for the European Maritime Space, with the participation of representatives of the European Commission, European Union Member States, European organisations, port authorities, as well as bodies of the maritime and port industry. The Forum was held with the assistance of the Cyprus Ports Authority.
As noted in an Authority announcement, the Forum was an important platform for dialogue on the progress and prospects of the European Maritime Space (EMS), in the context of European transport policy and the strengthening of the resilience and sustainability of supply chains.
In his opening remark s, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Alexis Vafeades, underlined the necessity of strengthening the Trans-European Transport Network, especially for the island Member States of the European Union, as well as the role of reliable maritime connectivity in economic development. At the same time, he referred to the need to promote digitalisation and investments in alternative fuels in the context of the green transition.
Also, in her opening speech, Vice Chairwoman Christiana Iacovidou referred to the role of the EMS as a key pillar of Trans-European Transport Network (TEN - T) and a tool to strengthen connectivity between maritime and land transport, while emphasising the geostrategic importance of Cyprus as the easternmost member state of the EU and as a gateway between Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Within the framework of the conference, co-financed European projects that contribute to the implementation of the EMS objectives were presented, such as IMPACT concerning the expansion of the port of Vassilikos and DECARBONLIM for the promotion of low-emission solutions in the port of Limassol, the SEMAS- EMSWe and TRAMA projects of the port of Valencia, Spain, as well as projects concerning the transport sector in Malta, while a presentation was made on the support mechanisms by the representative of the European Investment Bank.
The organisation of the Forum in Cyprus, by attracting important executives from the Shipping and Transport sectors, confirms the country's active role in shaping European policies for maritime transport and highlights its strategic position.
TEN-T Conference – 'Connecting Europe's Extremities : From the Edges to the Core'
Meanwhile, a delegation of the Cyprus Ports Authority made up of the General Manager, Personnel and Administration Manager, Port Manager of Limassol Port, participated in the conference: TEN-T Conference – 'Connecting Europe's Extremities: From the Edges to the Core,' which took place in Limassol on 16–18 April 2026, within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, bringing together high-ranking officials, experts and transport stakeholders.
The conference focused on the strategic role of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) in connecting the remote and island regions of the European Union with the central European core. Particular emphasis was placed on the needs of countries such as Cyprus, which are located on the "edges" of the Union.
The main topics of discussion were:
- enhancing connectivity through sea and air transport, which are considered vital for remote areas,
- addressing gaps and "missing links" in the European network,
- improving cross-border cooperation and simplifying regulations,
- the need for adequate funding and resilient transport infrastructure.
At the same time, the importance of shipping and ports for the cohesion, security and economic development of the EU, especially for island states, was highlighted.
The Cyprus Ports Authority also participated in the conference with a stand where informational material regarding the Authority's activities and the ports of Cyprus was made available to the conference participants, its announcement noted.
