Limassol will host the European Maritime Day (EMD) on May 21 and 22, 2026, as Cyprus takes the helm of the EU presidency, welcoming the continent’s maritime community to the island’s for two days of dialogue, networking, and action on the future of Europe’s blue economy.
The handover ceremony took place on Friday in Cork, Ireland, during the closing session of EMD 2025, in the presence of EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis. Cyprus was represented by the Mayor of Limassol and senior officials from the Shipping Deputy Ministry.
Held annually, EMD brings together over 1,000 participants from across Europe’s marine and maritime sectors, including businesses, public institutions, NGOs, academia, and policy leaders, to discuss sustainable ocean development and blue growth.
Next year’s event in Limassol will mark the first time Cyprus hosts the flagship EU conference, with parallel events expected to take place in other coastal cities around the island.
The organisation of EMD 2026 is led by the Shipping Deputy Ministry, in collaboration with the European Commission, national ministries, local authorities, and stakeholders from the blue economy.
According to the Ministry’s announcement, preparations are already under way to deliver an inclusive and seamless event that reflects Cyprus’ maritime identity and European vision.
As an island state with a centuries-old seafaring tradition, Cyprus sees EMD 2026 as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation, spotlight innovation, and promote collective action on marine sustainability.
Limassol, a hub for shipping and maritime services in the Eastern Mediterranean, will be at the heart of the programme, hosting plenaries, thematic workshops, exhibitions and the Blue Forum’s annual Fisheries and Ocean Dialogue.
