President of the Union of Greek Shipowners , Ms. Melina Travlos, and members of the UGS Board of Directors, Mr. D. J. Fafalios, Ms. Marily Fragkista and Mr. V. Papagiannopoulos, attended the European Shipping Summit 2023, in Brussels.

These deliberations served to fortify the bonds between the Greek shipping sector and its European counterparts, enhancing its impact on both European and global maritime affairs.

Throughout the summit, speakers underscored the imperative for the European Union to recognize the shipping industry as a pivotal, strategic ally, being the cornerstone of the EU’s security and prosperity. Furthermore, they articulated shipping’s integral role in bolstering Europe’s economic stature. There was general agreement that prioritizing the competitiveness of European shipping must ascend to the forefront of the EU’s agenda, safeguarding its prosperity, resilience, and sustainability, as well as ensuring energy and food sufficiency.

Ms. Melina Travlos, President of the UGS, engaged in a series of productive discussions with prominent figures in European governance and in the shipping sector. Noteworthy encounters included discussions with the Vice President of the European Commission, Mr. Margaritis Schinas; Chair of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Mr. Emanuele Grimaldi; President of the German Shipowners Association (VDR), Ms. Gaby Bornheim; Director General of European Commission’s DG MOVE, Ms. Magda Kopczynska; President of BIMCO, Mr. Niko Schües; and the former President of the European Commission (2004 – 2014) and Keynote Speaker of the 2023 European Shipping Summit, Mr. José Manuel Barroso.

Furthermore, Ms. Adina Valean, EU Commissioner for Transport, met with Ms. Melina Travlos and Messrs. D. J. Fafalios and V. Papagiannopoulos. Their discussion revolved around the pivotal role of European shipping for the EU and the necessity to uphold and elevate its global competitiveness. What was emphasized as imperative is for EU shipping to maintain its status as a preeminent global force and a strategic partner for the EU, thereby safeguarding Europe’s prosperity through its leading role.

At the grand banquet of the European Shipping Summit, Mr. Margaritis Schinas, Vice President of the European Commission, accentuated the manifold and substantial contributions of the shipping industry. He emphasized, “The shipping sector has a central and strategic role in ensuring Europe’s security and prosperity, connecting our continent with the rest of the world and promoting the rules-based global order that is a core European value and interest. I want to stress that not only do we appreciate the contribution of the maritime sector to the Union’s response to climate change, but that we take seriously the threat to its competitiveness.“

Keynote Speaker at the European Maritime Summit and former President of the European Commission, Mr. José Manuel Barroso, wondered about the degree of awareness amongst European citizens regarding European shipping’s commanding share of 40% in the global fleet. He emphasized, “Shipping is a strategic pillar for Europe’s security. It is the most environmentally friendly and energy-efficient mode of transport that safeguards free trade, which is a key factor for the prosperity of citizens. I would like to congratulate European shipping on its active support for the EU’s decarbonisation targets. It is our duty to ensure that economic and financial support is provided for the green and digital transition of shipping. European shipping faces a significant threat due to the increasing competition with East Asian countries, which has created new standards in the sector. Ensuring a level playing field with China is a strict priority. Striking the right balance between the climate agenda and sector competitiveness is a major issue for the EU. We do not have a strategy for our competitiveness yet, and we must urgently adopt one at the European level.“

UGS Secretary, Mr. Dimitrios Fafalios, contributed to the central round table discussion of the European Shipping Summit. He emphasized, “‘’In this complex geopolitical situation we are experiencing, our industry has the flexibility and the capacity to respond immediately to evolving challenges by shielding the interests of the EU. However, our sector, and SMEs in particular, face a serious competitive disadvantage, particularly in relation to East Asian countries whose national policies include the shipping sector as an integral part of its strategies.”

In the European Shipping Summit context, Ms. Melina Travlos stated, “‘The strategic importance of shipping for EU’s energy and food security as well as the robustness and prosperity of its economy is undeniable. However, we need strong political will and continuous commitment from decision-makers to enhance the international competitiveness of European shipping and to ensure both the viability of the sector and the energy autonomy of the EU.”