Greek and Cypriot leaders discuss maritime policy at shipping union dinner

On Friday, September 18, 2026, the Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS) hosted a dinner in Athens at the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel, attended by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas. The event, held during the CUS annual general meeting, brought together high-ranking officials including Greek Vice-President Kostis Hatzidakis, Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, and EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport Apostolos Tzitzikostas.

During the discussions, CUS President Polys Hajioannou urged for a level playing field in the EU’s green transition, warning that regulations such as the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime impose a disproportionate financial burden on smaller maritime enterprises. He advocated for environmental policies based on mature, readily available technologies. President Christodoulides echoed these concerns, emphasizing that measures must be realistic, proportionate, and globally applicable to maintain the sector's competitiveness amidst challenges like digitalization and workforce shortages.

Greek President Tasoulas emphasized the necessity for Greece and Cyprus to present a unified, coordinated front within European institutions. Beyond shipping, he reaffirmed Greece's commitment to finding a viable solution for the Cyprus problem based on UN resolutions and EU law. The gathering underscored the strategic importance of the joint Greek-Cypriot maritime industry to European economic strength.