Trade with Greece
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resources. A multitude of related maritime activi-
ties, from ocean energy to maritime and coastal
tourism, aquaculture and biological exploration,
would benefit from such a holistic and integrated
approach that the combination of Blue Growth
and Maritime Zones could offer to the coastal
countries of the European Union.
Why is Blue Growth so important?
Because, in order to make it through the crisis,
Europe needs the contribution of all sectors of its
economy: Blue Growth is a long term strategy,
based on the fact that the seas and oceans are
drivers for the European economy, with great
unleashed potential. There are 5.4 million people
working in the blue economy and they contribute
a total gross value added of around 500 billion
euros. By 2020, these should increase to 7 million
and nearly 600 billion euros, respectively.
The Commission has commissioned a study to
identify the most promising sectors of the mar-
itime economy of each member state. In the case
of Greece, the study shows that the country has
fully exploited only the potential of traditional mar-
itime activities, such as shipping. That is why a
Blue Growth approach is very important, particu-
larly in these times of economic crisis. It helps
decision-makers think out of the box, and look at
growth and jobs opportunities in neglected areas
of the economy. In the case of Greece this would
include: marine aquaculture, deep sea shipping,
cruise tourism, coastal tourism (environmental
and cultural resources), short sea shipping (in
combination with logistics hubs), marine energy,
yachting and marinas.
Does it necessarily pass through the
member states’ EEZs? The Commission
calls upon member states to declare
their EEZs. How can it motivate them to
reach agreements with their neigh-
bours?
Claiming EEZs is a means to an end. It is the way
to achieve key objectives, such as the implemen-
tation of the Blue Growth strategy or conservation
policies. The study that was commissioned by the
European Commission and published in July 2013
concludes that after applying the cost-benefit
approach on the rights gained from a full EEZ, it
results that there are significant benefits that
would justify it. These benefits may be reaped if
an EEZ is accompanied by appropriate control
and management. It also goes without saying that
there should be, at the same time, the political will
among our countries and their neighbours to pro-
mote dialogue and cooperation in accordance
with the United Nations Convention on the Law of
the Sea (UNCLOS). From our perspective, coop-
eration is a keyword in this context.
