The blue economy will be central to Europe’s prosperity and resilience, Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanolis told delegates at the closing session of European Maritime Day 2026 in Limassol. She said the event brought together the full breadth of Europe’s maritime community and stressed that Cyprus, as an island state and leading maritime centre, is committed to sustainable shipping, marine protection, maritime safety and innovation. Hadjimanolis linked the blue economy directly to jobs, investment and regional development, saying it creates growth, quality jobs and strategic opportunities for regions and communities.

Hadjimanolis urged Europe to combine sustainability, competitiveness and resilience without treating them as competing priorities, and pointed to the EU Ocean Pact as a framework for integrated ocean governance and maritime security. She warned that environmental ambitions must be matched by policies that keep maritime industries globally competitive, thanked the European Commission and participants, and said Cyprus will remain a reliable maritime partner as the next European Maritime Day moves to Santander