Good morning, everyone.

Distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends,

It is a great honor to be here in Cork for my very first European Maritime Day. I would like to thank the Irish organizers and the city and county of Cork for hosting this event and for their enthusiasm.

Cork is a city shaped by the sea, proud of its maritime heritage, and looking boldly to the future. Here, on the edge of the Atlantic, we are reminded of how deeply the ocean touches every part of life in Ireland—from communities and economy to cultural identity.

From fishing boats in Howth to marine farms in Bantry Bay, from coastal scientists in Galway to students on the quays of this city—Irelands connection to the sea is alive and thriving. Here, among these coastal voices and tales, we hold the European Maritime Day.

We meet not only to celebrate the ocean but also to tackle its pressing challenges. The ocean is warming, rising, and acidifying. Pollution from plastics, chemicals, and noise is altering marine ecosystems. The pressures are growing, and the need for action is immediate.

At the same time, the ocean presents immense potential for Europes long-term competitiveness and resilience. The EU blue economy directly supports nearly 5 million jobs and annually generates over 250 billion euros in value added.

In response to these challenges and opportunities, the European Ocean Pact is a major step forward. It consolidates decades of EU policy into a cohesive vision for effective ocean governance. It recognizes that the ocean is not just an environmental concern but central to Europes prosperity, innovation, and security.

The Pact sets ambitious goals: protecting and restoring ocean health, boosting the sustainable competitiveness of the blue economy, supporting coastal and island communities, advancing ocean research, and strengthening maritime security.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Ireland, with its rich tradition of seafaring, fisheries, and marine innovation, exemplifies what can be achieved when national pride aligns with European solidarity.

We see this reality here in Cork. This years European Maritime Day program is rich in ideas, energy, and inspiration.

Later this morning, we will launch the Blue Economy Report 2025, highlighting the sectors 250 billion euro contribution to the EU economy and its 5 million jobs. We will also hold the Fisheries and Ocean Dialogue to discuss implementation needs and foster collaboration between fishers, scientists, and citizens. We will also celebrate 20 years of achievements by the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA).

Additionally, we will hear from coastal mayors—from Den Helder to Brest—who are shaping the future of our ocean cities. In workshops and dialogues, we will explore synergies in sea basins, spatial planning, blue energy, food security, ocean observation, and maritime security. We will listen to the voices of youth, women in the blue economy, coastal champions, and marine innovators.

The next three days are an opportunity to do more than talk about the future. Its also time to actively shape it.

So, as we look towards the horizon, lets remember that the ocean does not divide us. It connects us and brings us together. The same tide that touches Cork also reaches Lisbon, Marseille, Limassol, and beyond. What we do here matters everywhere!

Let this European Maritime Day be a milestone. Let it inspire action, trust, and unity.

Lets move forward—together.

Thank you for your attention!