“In view of the critical negotiations ahead, I wish to express my strong concern with the relevant preparatory discussions at EU level,” Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vassilis Kikilias said in a statement issued on 31 August.
The IMO is set to hold an intersessional meeting from 1 to 4 September 2026, followed by a second meeting in November ahead of MEPC 85, in an effort to resolve outstanding concerns and build broader convergence around a global measure.
Mr Kikilias accused the EU of showing “a lack of understanding and genuine willingness to demonstrate the flexibility needed to move towards convergence”, while failing to take “due consideration” of the issues raised by member states representing more than 70% of EU shipping.
“I fear that the persistence on rigid approaches could ultimately undermine the prospects for convergence and, ultimately, for reaching an agreement at the IMO,” Mr Kikilias added.
His comments follow a statement issued last week by Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) president Melina Travlos, who called for a single global framework and advocated support for the Panama-Liberia proposal.
Notably, Greece and Cyprus abstained from a vote to adjourn last October’s extraordinary session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) until 2026, while other EU member states voted to push ahead with negotiations.
Both Ms Travlos and Mr Kikilias have previously criticised the IMO’s proposed Net-Zero Framework.
“What we need is to bridge ambition with the evolution of fuel, propulsion and technological developments,” Mr Kikilias said.
“This should be done with an open and constructive attitude that can lead to measures that are both realistic and technologically feasible and, moreover, do not increase costs for families and businesses around the world,” he added.
The Greek minister characterised the discussions as “existential” for the future of the shipping industry, noting that international shipping carries more than 80% of global trade.
“In the end, it is our responsibility towards our societies to guide the industry that connects the world to a safe and sustainable energy transition pathway.”