Greece, Cyprus, Malta, and Italy unite on shipping policy

Greece, Cyprus, Malta, and Italy have signed a joint declaration to strengthen their unified presence in international shipping negotiations. The agreement, reached during a meeting in Limassol, focuses on enhancing competitiveness and implementing realistic decarbonization measures that account for economic impacts.

The nations aim to present a cohesive voice within the European Union and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Greek Shipping Minister Vassilis Kikilias emphasized that shipping policy is directly linked to the costs of energy, food, and goods, affecting European households. The group advocates for medium- and long-term planning to ensure Europe maintains leadership in shipbuilding, ports, and energy.

This coordinated effort comes amid ongoing discussions at the IMO regarding the Net-Zero Framework. While recent negotiations in London highlighted disagreements over the pace and methods of maritime decarbonization, the four Mediterranean nations are pushing for a global framework that balances environmental ambition with technological feasibility and market realities.