With a message that maritime policy cannot be limited to environmental objectives, but must also support the people who live and work at sea, the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Margaritis Schinas, participated in the “European Maritime Day 2026”, in Limassol.
The Greek minister noted that the sustainability of the seas cannot be disconnected from the sustainability of coastal communities themselves, pointing out that fisheries are not only about environmental objectives, but are directly linked to food security, social cohesion and Europe’s strategic autonomy.
He stressed that Europe must address maritime policy in an integrated way, linking the protection of ecosystems with support for production, local communities and the blue economy, particularly at a time of geopolitical upheaval and increased pressure on supply chains.
Schinas particularly stressed the need for strong, flexible, simple and innovative financial instruments that will support in practice the people of the sea and coastal economies. As he noted, the new Ocean Pact must combine environmental ambition with economic realism and social cohesion.
He placed particular emphasis on small-scale coastal fishing, noting that for countries like Greece it is not just an economic activity, but an element of social cohesion, local development and cultural identity of island and coastal regions.
In the same context, it highlighted the need for adequate financial support for the modernisation and energy transition of the fishing fleet, the resilience of coastal communities and ensuring Europe’s food security at a time of increased geopolitical and climate pressures.
Finally, the Minister of Rural Development and Food referred to the importance of strengthening the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, supporting the energy transition of the fleet and developing sustainable aquaculture.
