The European Commission’s EUBeachCleanup campaign was launched from Limassol’s seafront on Saturday, with EU commissioner for fisheries and oceans Costas Kadis and Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis taking part in a coastal cleanup. The event followed European Maritime Day 2026 in Limassol, which brought about 1,000 participants from across Europe. Kadis called the cleanup of rocks along the promenade both practical and symbolic, warning that pollution is a major threat to the marine environment and citing an estimate that 730 tonnes of plastic enter the Mediterranean every day.

Kadis said the campaign, jointly organised by the European Commission and the United Nations, was officially launched in Limassol and will continue throughout the year. Mayor Armeftis described the day as a display of cooperation and collective responsibility, stressing the sea’s role in Cyprus’ identity and the need to tackle marine litter. During the event Kadis visited information stands run by organisations and the municipality before joining volunteers in the cleanup effort.