Video message by Commissioner Šuica at the Summit Economia del Mare 2026

Dear friends,

We owe a lot to the Mediterranean.

It covers less than 1% of the planet's water surface.

Yet it carries a quarter of all global maritime traffic, and it generates around 400 billion euro a year in economic value.

It gives our communities a source of wealth, sustaining lives and livelihoods.

And it has given us a highway to transport goods and ideas – connecting East and West.

Italy has been a gateway for much of this wealth.

Your ports, maritime industries and networks are crucial for the European economy.

Your tourism sector and your universities provide a bridge across this sea every day.

And of course, Italy has played a central role in shaping our strategy for the region – the Pact for the Mediterranean.

The Pact works hand in hand with the European Ocean Pact, with our Strategy for Coastal Communities and our Strategy for Islands.

We are targeting several challenges in common – from fighting climate change to protecting the blue economy.

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Let me give you some examples:

We know decarbonisation is essential for us to succeed against climate change.

So, we are investing in renewables. The Southern Mediterranean has some of the best conditions in the world to do so – 30 to 40% cheaper than in Europe.

We know pollution is a clear threat to the Mediterranean, because of the huge volume of shipping I mentioned.

So, we are working with the European Maritime Safety Agency, with national maritime authorities and ports, reducing shipping's environmental impact.

We know how crucial the maritime sector is for our economies .

So, we launched the Blue Economy Regional Platform last year, together with the Union for the Mediterranean.

We are also financing projects on sustainable aquaculture, coastal resilience and circular economy through the EBRD.

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The actions of the Pact for the Mediterranean aim to have a profound impact on our region – empowering people, boosting a competitive, sustainable economy, and protecting our communities and ecosystems.

And Italy must play a crucial role in the Pact's implementation, reaping the rewards of a good investment: more trade, more jobs, better connectivity and better infrastructure.

Now is the time to double down on a winning strategy.

Now is the time to invest in the economy of the sea.

And your conference can help us guiding our action – through expertise and concrete knowledge on the ground.

I look forward to your conclusions and wish you a very fruitful conference.

Thank you.

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