EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, delivered the opening speech at the European Shipping Summit in Brussels on Thursday.

Tzitzikostas referred to the future of European shipping, which, as he stressed, is undergoing radical change due to geopolitical tensions and trade wars, making security a top priority, while also advancing the transition towards the 2050 climate targets. 
According to the press release, he referred to the four priorities for the future of European shipping: safety and resilience, competitiveness, workforce and decarbonisation.

Tzitzikostas full speech is as follows: 

"Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is an honour to be here today at the European Shipping Summit to deliver the opening speech. My sincere thanks to the organisers for bringing us together at such a pivotal moment for the industry. This Summit is THE platform for discussing the future of European shipping. But you already know that, as I see industry leaders, policymakers and many key stakeholders here. Ladies and Gentlemen, We meet at a time of profound transformation, caused by geopolitical tensions and trade wars. Security has become paramount. And all this is happening as we push forward on our path to climate neutrality by 2050, reinforcing Europe's industrial leadership, preparedness, and economic resilience. The business environment remains volatile. But if Europe capitalises on its expertise, innovation, and agility, we can secure our place as a global maritime leader for decades to come. So, today, I want to focus on four priorities that will define our future: Security and resilience. Competitiveness. Our workforce. And decarbonisation. But let's start with what's at stake. Shipping is a lifeline for Europe's economy. It underpins our security, fuels our industry, and connects us to the world. European shipping represents 35 % of the world fleet - and 44% of the global container fleet. 

We have 4153 EU shipping companies. And 183,4 billion Euro is the economic impact of European Shipping. You are making us a key player in global trade and supply chains. From energy to food security But recent crises, instability and climate related disruptions have shown that maritime transport is on the front line in ensuring Europe's resilience. And the EU is stepping up: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES in the Red Sea is a clear demonstration of our commitment to securing trade routes. We are taking action against the shadow fleet, not just to enforce sanctions, but to ensure safety, fair competition, and environmental protection. We are also reinforcing security for our critical underwater infrastructure and supply chains. And to strengthen our resilience, we must: Ensure stable, predictable, and fair-trade conditions for European operators. 

Strengthen European shipbuilding and maritime technology to reduce dependence on third-country production. And invest ports, logistics, and digital infrastructure to boost security and efficiency. Resilience of course, supports competitiveness. But we also need to address growing pressure from international competitors. European shipping is a global leader today and I am very proud to say that. But we need to ensure it remains so, in 10- or 20-years' time. And here the numbers speak for themselves: In the early 1980s, 45% of new shipbuilding orders were placed in Europe. Today, that number has fallen to just 5%. That is why the European Commission will launch a Maritime Industrial Strategy this year. And rest assured, it is also a European Shipping Strategy. Our goals are clear: Stimulate investment in innovative and sustainable ships. Support European shipyards and marine technology firms developing cutting-edge innovations. Ensure a fair global playing field, strengthening trade defence mechanisms against unfair practices. Boost European autonomy in shipbuilding and maritime supply chains. Ensure access to a skilled workforce. 

We will also leverage military know-how to develop dual-use and advanced ships, supporting both economic and security objectives. Another key pillar of competitiveness is ports. So, our upcoming European Port Strategy will focus on: Economic independence, competitiveness and security. But also on enabling the energy transition, ensuring ports can provide alternative fuels and shore-side power supply. Demand for both will certainly grow. Of course, for both shipping and ports, access to finance is crucial. So, we will work to mobilise and streamline public funds, as well as de-risk and leverage private financing for port infrastructure and sustainable shipping. Of course, no amount of investment can move European shipping forward without people. The right people, with the right skills. 

The Competitiveness Compass highlights the importance of a skilled workforce for Europe's economic future. For maritime transport, this means: Investment in training and upskilling, particularly for seafarers. Ensuring compliance with STCW Convention standards, supporting career development. Making the profession more attractive with sustainable working and living conditions. Let me now move to decarbonization. The Competitiveness Compass states it clearly: decarbonisation is not just an environmental obligation, it is an economic opportunity. European shipping must lead in green fuels, energy efficiency and clean technologies. The Clean Industrial Deal turns the sustainability agenda into a competitive business case for European industries. And we already have key measures in place driving the transformation: The EU Emissions Trading System, pricing carbon in maritime transport, where hopefully some of the revenues, can be used to bridge the price gap with clean fuels - and support investments in clean tech. 

The FuelEU Maritime Regulation, driving the uptake of sustainable fuels. The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation, ensuring ports provide the necessary infrastructure for shore-side electricity. But challenges remain. So, the EU wants to support and strengthen the European shipping industry. We want to lift your burden and help overcome barriers, with the future Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, which will: Unlock investment in sustainable fuels and technologies. Provide regulatory stability for long-term planning and investment in innovation. Finally, at the IMO, Europe remains fully engaged. 

As we approach MEPC 83, we will push for ambitious global decarbonisation measures because a global level playing field is essential. Ladies and gentlemen, Shipping is a global sector, and we cannot ignore today's geopolitical uncertainties. Europe must remain level-headed and act with strategic foresight. Economic protectionism and hyper-competitiveness pose serious challenges. Any policies that limit market access, impose excessive costs on operators, or create artificial barriers to trade will drive up costs for consumers and businesses worldwide. The European shipping sector has proven resilient and adaptable. It has kept trade moving through crisis after crisis. So, I want to express my gratitude to the sector and its workers, especially the seafarers, for their unwavering dedication, for their resilience, for keeping our economies running. But long-term success requires predictable and open markets. And our approach to move forward is clear: Cooperative solutions supporting fair competition, respect for international trade rules, and global supply chain stability. Working closely with allies, partners, and international organisations, to ensure that global trade flows remain resilient, competitive, and fair. And Europe will continue to advocate for dialogue and multilateral engagement to resolve maritime trade disputes. But, if need be, mark my words: We will act boldly to defend our rights and competitive position.

Ladies and gentlemen, Yes, we face challenges geopolitical uncertainty, economic competition and the climate transition, but I also see opportunities, too. With the right policies, European shipping can remain a global leader. Not just by reacting to today's challenges, but by shaping tomorrow's industry. The European Shipping Summit comes at the right time. These conversations on where we stand and where we are heading are best held together. Because working together was, is and will be key. Governments, industry, and social partners must work hand-in-hand to keep European shipping competitive, sustainable, and secure. And I assure that Europe will be here and personally, I will do everything in my powers to support the maritime industry and its people. I look forward to working closely with all of you".