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Cyprus President cautions EU over Russia sanctions impact on shippingCyprus President cautions EU over Russia sanctions impact on shipping

The European Union (EU) needs to ensure its sanctions on Russia sanctions do not negatively impact the bloc or individual member states, especially when it comes to the shipping sector, said Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades.

David Glass, Greece Correspondent

September 22, 2022

2 Min Read
Nicos Anastasiades, President of Cyprus
Nicos Anastasiades, President of CyprusPhoto: Republic of Cyprus Presidency

Addressing Greek members of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, Anastasiades stressed the importance of the maritime industry and of the Cypriot and Greek registries to the EU bloc.

Anastasiades stressed when it comes to EU sanctions against Russia, the Cyprus government is making every effort to minimise the negative impact the sanctions have on the shipping sector and “to maintain to the maximum extent possible the competitiveness of European shipping and, by extension, the Cypriot and Greek flags”.

“In all my contacts with EU heads of state or government, as well as in the context of the work of the European Council, I have repeatedly highlighted the basic principle and philosophy that must govern sanctions, so that they are targeted against the one whom they are directed and not against member states,” said Anastasides.

“If we were to listen to the Brussels bureaucrats, the first to pay the cost will certainly not be Russia and its energy exports but the merchant shipping sectors of Greece, Cyprus and possibly Malta,” said the Cyprus President.

He added that some of these bureaucrats do not understand the simple concept that a ship can change its flag “and therefore those who will be damaged are not the Russians who will continue to export, but the European countries and especially the strongest [in shipping], such as Greece, Cyprus, Malta”.

Related:Everyone must adapt to Russian sanctions as the new normal – here’s how

Cyprus and Greece, he said, did not hesitate to take a strong position on the adoption of sanctions that would have a negative impact on member states.

Anastasiades outlined the government’s strategic vision for shipping, stressing the principal goal was the creation of strong foundations for Cypriot shipping in order to tackle unforeseen crises and to capitalise on emerging opportunities.

He said the newly-created Deputy Ministry of Shipping aimed at strengthening Cyprus’ maritime policies and administration in order to respond to international competition.

He pointed out the strategic vision for Cyprus shipping, ‘SEA Change 2030’, adopted 12 months ago, seeks to lay a solid foundation for the shipping industry to adequately deal with unforeseen crises and to capitalise on emerging opportunities.

This strategic plan is based on three pillars: extroversion, adaptability and sustainability.

“This new philosophy not only lays a solid foundation for strengthening the competitiveness of the Cyprus registry but also enhances security levels on Cypriot-flagged ships, supports the shipping industry in its effort to decarbonise the sector through green tax incentives and seeks to redesign and strengthen the staffing of the network of shipping offices of the Republic of Cyprus abroad,” he said.

Related:Risk appetite and navigating sanctions compliance

“At the same time, the strategy touches on the human factor aspect by ensuring adequate training and skills for seafarers by promoting e-education, e-training and e-learning by making use of available technology,” said Anastasiades.

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Sanctions

About the Author

David Glass

Greece Correspondent

An Australian with over 40 years experience as a journalist and foreign correspondent specialising in political and economic issues, David has lived in Greece for over 30 years and was editor of English language publications for Greek daily newspaper Kathimerini in the 1970s before moving into the Akti Miaouli and reporting on Greek and international shipping.

Managing editor of Naftiliaki Greek Shipping Review and Newsfront Greek Shipping Intelligence, David has been Greek editor for Seatrade for over 25 years.

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