The European Sea Ports Organization's (ESPO) annual conference will be hosted by the Thessaloniki Port Authority (OLTh) on May 8 and 9.

It is the first time Thessaloniki is hosting the 21st Conference of European Ports, which will take place at the Makedonia Palace Hotel.

This year's conference is focused on the European Union's new strategy for ports, their role in boosting the standing of Europe globally, and their adaptation to the European agenda for the economy, energy, competitivenes, and resilience.

As OLTh said in a statement, the hosting of the conference will highlight the role of the city and the port itself. It also recognizes in a practical way the initatives OLTh has taken in promoting extroversion and synergies at a global level. "In this framework, the Port of Thessaloniki, a port of international interest with a critical role in the wider region of the Mediterranean and Southeastern Europe, is emerging as a focal point in the European port community," it said.

The ESPO Conference is under the aegis of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy, the Central Macedonia Region, and the Municipality of Thessaloniki.