Rijeka, 14 March 2025
“Check against delivery”
Dear minister Butković, dear Oleg,
Dear Prefect of Primorsko-Goranska, Zlatko Komadina,
Dear Mayor of Rijeka, Marko Filipović,
Dear Ambassador Frijs-Madsen,
Dear Rector of the University of Rijeka Prijić Samaržija, dear Snježana,
Dear Prof. Bueger,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for the invitation to today’s Conference on “Connectivity and Maritime Security for the Mediterranean”.
I am delighted we are meeting here at the University of Rijeka which is part of the “Young Universities for the Future of Europe” network.
I am grateful to the University of Rijeka for hosting us today and for organising the Conference – together with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark in Croatia.
The choice of location is an express recognition of the University’s excellence in maritime studies and research – and of the role of Rijeka as the largest port in Croatia and an important trade-hub in the Adriatic.
More than 80 percent of the world’s trade moves across our oceans. This number paints maritime transport as the backbone of international trade and globalisation. And in times of tremendous geopolitical challenges and shifts in trade policies – it becomes even more significant.
You probably know that the European Union is the world’s largest exporter and the second-largest importer. This is why the maritime transport and shipping services are vital for our economy. They help our companies compete on a global scale and keep Europe connected to international markets.
Ladies and gentlemen,
This conference comes at the right moment. There is a new focus on the Mediterranean in the European Union. For the first time, we have a dedicated portfolio for the region. And I am honoured to have been entrusted with the task of Commissioner for the Mediterranean. The idea is to strengthen the link between the two shores of the Mediterranean Sea:
- The European Union, and
- North Africa, the Middle East, and in addition the Gulf region.
Let me say a few words on what we are doing.
Our priority is the New Pact for the Mediterranean. The aim is to boost the cooperation between the European Union and our partner countries. We want to build on shared aspirations and explore opportunities for mutual gains – together and in consultation with our southern partners and stakeholders.
We see two components for the New Pact which we want to present in the autumn of this year:
First, the Comprehensive Partnerships in key areas of mutual interest. We already agreed on partnerships with Egypt, Tunisia and Jordan, and we are looking at others very soon. The elements of cooperation must be tailor-made to the needs of each of our partners and of the Member States.
Second, concrete regional investment initiatives to bring the partnerships to life across the Mediterranean. I have started travelling to the region to hear from all stakeholders – including the private sector, academia, and civil society. I already had substantial discussions in Lebanon, and two weeks ago I was in Egypt. Many more exchanges will follow. And I have also talked to the Member States and will continue this exchange.
Further, we are looking at the cultural-educational dimension. From cooperation among foundations, to university exchanges, and a Mediterranean University Network. I believe that people-to-people contacts are essential in the cooperation in all areas.
What I have heard in the talks with partner countries and European stakeholders is that everyone is interested in connectivity, including transport connectivity. So this will be one of the priorities for the investment partnerships.
I see a great potential to work on the green and digital transition of maritime ports in North Africa, the Middle East, and the Gulf countries.
Essentially – we can cut red tape, accelerate operations, and reduce emissions, also while ships are calling in the ports.
We want to work on a solid win-win scenario for the economy and the environment. And I am interested in your views and input on how to achieve this.
This brings me to maritime security. The EU is taking a comprehensive approach. We are looking at protecting maritime trade, risk awareness and management, research and innovation, environmental protection, education and training, and regional cooperation.
We want to not only protect trade, energy security, and the environment, but also contribute to global effectiveness and sustainability.
The EU Maritime Security Strategy is the European Union’s framework for protecting its maritime interests. We are fighting threats such as piracy, illegal trafficking, cyberattacks, and environmental crimes.
The Strategy improves coordination between Member States, agencies, and international partners. Our goal is to ensure safe, sustainable, and resilient maritime spaces.
Let me give you two examples of what we are doing:
The EU’s naval operations: We are securing maritime trade routes and combating piracy. Relevant for my area are Operation Irini along the coast of Libya, and Operation Aspides in the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden. On the latter, I had a useful meeting with the President of Yemen at the Munich Security Conference last month, where I talked to him about containing the Houthi threat to the security of maritime trade routes.
The strengthening of underwater infrastructure: We all know about the recent attacks on sea-bed pipelines and cables. The European Union is stepping up security measures. This includes surveillance, legislation, and military cooperation. It is vital to protect critical sea-bed infrastructure.
Additionally, there is the EU-NATO Task Force on Undersea Infrastructure and expanded naval patrols. It is a very useful tool to strengthen intelligence-sharing and security in key maritime trade areas. Advanced monitoring technologies also help us detect potential sabotage or disruptions and the EU will prioritise them as part of our increased investments in defence.
Allow me now to briefly touch on sustainability.
Decarbonisation in the maritime sector coms with challenges and opportunities. We must not forget that maritime trade is a global business. We want to preserve the environment while maintaining competitiveness and avoiding distortions of competition. Therefore, maritime infrastructures worldwide, not only in the European Union, need to scale up their investments in renewable or low-carbon fuels.
Some countries – especially Egypt, Morocco, and Türkiye – have already started developing the production and availability of Renewable and Low-Carbon Fuels in their ports. This is a very positive development. The European Union is interested in supporting these investments. At the same time, we need to make sure there is no negative impact on EU ports, such as shifting bunkering or logistic activities.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On the cooperation with the Southern Neighborhood: We need to pay attention to the fact that the resilience of the maritime network does not stop in ports. The role of hinterlands and their transport connections is crucial. It is important to have a good plan on how to best optimize hinterland connections. We need to make sure that investments have real positive results for our economies and the lives of our people.
It is good to remember that in the Southern Mediterranean region over half of the population is under 24 years old and 63% are under the age of 35. At the same time, the region has the highest youth unemployment rates worldwide – not least among women.
The development of port activities has a strong impact not only on the efficiency of the trade system, but also on job creation and growth. There is a clear positive outcome for the overall economy in the region.
To increase the capacity of the maritime network, we want to further extend the Trans-European Transport network to the Southern Neighbourhood.
This could help boost the region and improve the lives of the people through job creation, education, mobility, and regional integration.
To conclude,
As European Union, we are also active in capacity building. After all, standards need to be implemented and rolled out. When we talk about maritime security and sustainability, it is essential to have an efficient and quality administration. The European Maritime Safety Agency is supporting the authorities in the Southern Neighbourhood countries – through technical support, trainings, and various joint projects.
Dear participants,
To improve maritime security and sustainability, it is so important to have conferences like this one today. I wish you a fruitful conference and look forward to receiving the inputs and your conclusions.
Thank you.
Source – EU Commission