In a variety of high-level and interactive sessions participants will explore the wide spectrum of opportunities that our coasts and seas present. They will share experiences, best practices and develop new synergies to take full advantage of the potential of Europe’s ports and coastal areas to drive growth, deliver new jobs, and do so in a sustainable way. The conference will focus especially on innovation, cooperation, skills and qualifications for the maritime economy as well as on the available opportunities for private investment and public funding.

Speakers include Ministers, CEOs, European and national policy makers as well as experts from across Europe and beyond. Stakeholders will also have the opportunity to expand their networks, explore new ideas and develop cooperation possibilities through a special matchmaking event which will be organised during the EMD Conference.   

European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella, said: "European Maritime Day is the forum for novel ideas and opportunities in the maritime sector. This year, Piraeus, the largest seaport in the Mediterranean, brings us together to celebrate the enormous potential that  the seas and oceans offer to Europe to build sustainable blue growth and create blue jobs".

Background

The 8th edition of the European Maritime Day Conference is organised by the European Commission in partnership with the City of Piraeus, the Port Authority of Piraeus and the Greek Ministry of Shipping and the Aegean. The theme for this year's conference is "Ports and Coasts: Gateways for Maritime Growth".

On May 28, the conference will be opened by high-level keynote speakers including Commissioner Vella who will be joined by Ms Elena Kountoura, Alternate Minister for Tourism, Ministry of Economy, Infrastructure, Maritime Affairs and Tourism, Greece, Mr Thodoris Dritsas, Alternate Minister for Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Infrastructure, Maritime Affairs and Tourism, Greece and Mr Ioannis Moralis, Mayor of Piraeus. The first Blue Growth Piraeus awards will also be presented to three innovative entrepreneurs who have started successful businesses based on marine products and technologies.

Piraeus is the largest port in Greece, and one of the busiest in Europe. The City Council has been pursuing actively closer integration with the port's activities. This will be illustrated by a series of public happenings at various locations of the city on 30 and 31 May, celebrating its rich maritime history and culture. Archaeological sites, museums, theatres, collections and monuments will be open to the public and the visitors will have the opportunity to explore the archaeological sites and the industrial monuments of the city. Along the coasts of Piraeus several events will be held: excursions by the sea, live performances, exhibitions, marine sports competitions, sailing open days and guided visits to landmarks. Moreover, the City has initiated the process to formalize the maritime cluster of Piraeus which, even though it is recognised as the largest maritime cluster in Europe, still lacks a formal structure.

European Maritime Day was created by a tripartite declaration by the Presidents of the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on 20 May 2008. It is celebrated every year around 20 May and aims to raise the visibility of Maritime Europe. The previous editions of European Maritime Day were held in Brussels (2008), Rome (2009), Gijon (2010), Gdansk (2011), Gothenburg (2012), Valetta (2013) and Bremen (2014) respectively.

More information

For all details on the conference and the complete programme, please visit the European Maritime Day website