Cyprus has used two transport events in Limassol to press its case for a stronger voice in European maritime policy, with the Cyprus Ports Authority (CPA) saying the meetings reflected the island’s strategic importance at the EU’s eastern edge. 

In a statement, the authority said the 4th European Maritime Space Forum served as a platform for discussion on the future of the European Maritime Space within wider European transport policy, while also focusing on the resilience and sustainability of supply chains. 

The forum, held under the auspices of Gesine Meissner, European Coordinator for the European Maritime Space, was welcomed by Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades and brought together representatives of the European Commission, EU member states, European organisations, port authorities and bodies from the maritime and port sectors. 

According to the authority, its vice-president Christiana Iacovidou said the European Maritime Space is a key pillar of the Trans-European Transport Network and an important tool for strengthening links between maritime and land transport.  

She also referred to Cyprus’ geostrategic importance as the easternmost EU member state and as a gateway between Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, the statement added. 

The authority said the forum also featured presentations on co-financed European projects linked to the objectives of the European Maritime Space.  

These included IMPACT, concerning the expansion of Vassilikos port, and DECARBONLIM, focused on low-emission solutions at Limassol port.  

Projects from Valencia and Malta were also presented, while a representative of the European Investment Bank outlined available support mechanisms. 

In a separate announcement, the CPA said its representatives also took part in the TEN-T conference, Connecting Europe’s Extremities: From the Edges to the Core, held in Limassol as part of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. 

It said the conference brought together senior officials, experts and transport operators to examine the strategic role of the Trans-European Transport Network in linking the bloc’s island and remote regions with the European core. 

Particular attention, according to the authority, was given to the needs of countries such as Cyprus, which lie on the outer edge of the Union. 

The main issues under discussion were the need to strengthen connectivity through maritime and air transport, both of which remain vital for remote areas, as well as to address gaps and missing links in the European network, improve cross-border cooperation, simplify rules and secure adequate funding for resilient transport infrastructure.