“Shipping is the heart of Europe. Securing its leading role requires immediate and united action,” noted Melina Travlos, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS), at the “European Shipping Summit 2025” held in Brussels.

“At a pivotal moment for European shipping—and a critical one for Europe itself—it is imperative that institutions recognize shipping as a cornerstone of the European Union’s economic sovereignty and geopolitical stability.

Policies must be swiftly established and implemented to safeguard the leading position of European shipping on the global map, bearing in mind that competitiveness and sustainability are not opposing forces but aligned ones that must act in parallel and interact,” emphasized the UGS President.

Meeting with European Commissioner A. Tzitzikostas
As part of the “European Shipping Summit 2025,” the leadership of the Union of Greek Shipowners also held a series of important meetings in Brussels with European officials.

Specifically, UGS President Melina Travlos, along with Board Members Dimitris Fafalios, Nikolaos Vernikos, Marily Frangistas, Ioanna Prokopiou, Vasilis Papagiannopoulos, and UGS Director Katerina Peppa, met with Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, as well as Oliver Röpke, President of the European Economic and Social Committee.

During the meetings, the critical role of shipping in food and energy security and stability—as well as in safeguarding the smooth functioning of Europe’s supply chains—was highlighted. Moreover, the contribution of shipping to preserving European competitiveness was underlined.

At the meeting with Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the UGS stressed the need for a balanced and effective global regulatory framework that reflects the international nature of shipping, reaffirming its commitment to constructive cooperation with policy-making bodies.

Through its multifaceted actions and substantive engagements, the Union of Greek Shipowners once again confirmed its leading role in European developments, consistently, decisively, and strategically advancing the interests of Greek and European shipping at the highest level.