In a significant diplomatic exchange at the Megaro Maximou, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Kosta Kadis convened to deliberate on Greece’s evolving maritime policy amidst the backdrop of impending European and international initiatives. Their dialogue underscores Greece’s strategic positioning at the nexus of regional maritime security, environmental stewardship, and global ocean governance.

Central to their conversation was the forthcoming European Pact for the Oceans, an ambitious initiative spearheaded by the European Commission, set to be unveiled at the 3rd United Nations Conference on Oceans in Nice. The Prime Minister emphasized Greece’s unwavering commitment to ocean protection and maritime security, especially amid Greece’s recent tenure on the UN Security Council (2025-26), where maritime issues are a key priority.

Mitsotakis highlighted Greece’s proactive steps in aligning national policies with international commitments, including the ratification of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction—an act he positioned as a historic milestone in marine conservation. The Prime Minister also referenced ongoing efforts to resolve legacy issues related to maritime spatial planning, ensuring full compliance with European directives and international maritime law, including UNCLOS.

The dialogue also touched upon Greece’s strategic expansion of marine protected areas and initiatives to mitigate plastics pollution—elements integral to safeguarding the biodiversity of Greek seas. This aligns with Greece’s broader vision of viewing its marine ecosystem not only as a national legacy but as a shared global resource requiring vigilant stewardship.

Commissioner Kadis responded by reaffirming the European Commission’s support for Greece’s maritime initiatives, emphasizing the importance of harmonizing national policies with EU directives. He expressed particular satisfaction with Greece’s leadership in establishing marine protected areas and its progress in maritime spatial planning, which respects sovereign rights under international law.

Kadis underscored the significance of the upcoming Oceans Compact, a landmark policy framework to be announced by President von der Leyen at the UN Ocean Summit in Nice. He described it as a pivotal step towards balancing biodiversity preservation with sustainable blue growth, harnessing the oceans’ vast potential responsibly.

This high-level engagement reflects a shared understanding: that robust maritime governance, environmental conservation, and strategic international cooperation are critical to securing Greece’s maritime future. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively, with Kadis pledging support from the European Commission to facilitate Greece’s policy ambitions and capacity-building efforts.

As Greece continues to position itself as a regional leader in maritime sustainability and security, this dialogue signifies a broader commitment to shaping an integrated, sustainable, and resilient ocean governance framework, aligned with European and global objectives for the preservation and sustainable use of our blue planet.