In a key diplomatic meeting at the Megaro Maximou, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Kosta Kadis engaged in discussions about Greece’s evolving maritime policy in light of upcoming European and international initiatives. Their conversation highlights Greece’s strategic role in regional maritime security, environmental stewardship, and global ocean governance.
A focal point of their discussion was the imminent European Pact for the Oceans, an ambitious project initiated by the European Commission, which is set to be launched at the 3rd United Nations Conference on Oceans in Nice. The Prime Minister reiterated Greece’s steadfast dedication to ocean protection and maritime security, particularly considering Greece’s recent position on the UN Security Council (2025-26), where maritime issues hold significant priority.
Mitsotakis pointed out Greece’s proactive measures in ensuring that national policies align with international commitments, including the ratification of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction—a landmark achievement in marine conservation. He also mentioned ongoing initiatives to tackle legacy challenges related to maritime spatial planning, ensuring compliance with European regulations and international maritime laws, such as UNCLOS.
The discussions also included Greece’s strategic expansion of marine protected areas and efforts to combat plastic pollution—both vital for preserving the biodiversity of its seas. This aligns with Greece’s broader vision of treating its marine ecosystem as not only a national asset but also a shared global resource that requires careful management.
Commissioner Kadis reaffirmed the European Commission’s support for Greece’s maritime endeavors, stressing the importance of aligning national policies with EU directives. He expressed satisfaction with Greece’s leadership in the creation of marine protected areas and advancements in maritime spatial planning, which respects sovereignty under international law.
Kadis highlighted the upcoming Oceans Compact, a significant policy framework set to be announced by President von der Leyen at the UN Ocean Summit in Nice. He described it as a crucial move towards balancing biodiversity preservation with sustainable blue growth, responsibly leveraging the vast potential of the oceans.
This high-level dialogue underscores a shared commitment: robust maritime governance, environmental conservation, and strategic international collaboration are essential for securing Greece’s maritime future. Both leaders pledged to work together, with Kadis offering the support of the European Commission to help advance Greece’s policy goals and capacity-building efforts.
As Greece positions itself as a regional leader in maritime sustainability and security, this discussion emphasizes a broader commitment to developing an integrated, sustainable, and resilient ocean governance framework that aligns with European and global objectives for the preservation and sustainable use of our blue planet.
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