Trade with Greece
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toring and the imposition of mechanisms aimed at
pointing out the benefits and costs. After all, a
debate has already began in regard to whether
the security of member-state EEZs could be
ensured by means of a European mechanism for
monitoring and protecting maritime borders.
It is worth noting that such action has already
been taken in Europe, the most recent examples
being those of Spain and France. France unilater-
ally established its EEZ in November 2012.
However, its delimitation has caused overlaps
with part of the EEZs delimited by Spain and Italy.
This is causing friction between France and
Spain, since the latter believes that France has
taken over part of its own EEZ. In this context, it
is no coincidence that the Greek government has
decided to begin negotiations for expanding the
existing (1977) agreement with Italy regarding the
delimitation of the continental shelf. According to
diplomatic sources, the aim is to turn the conti-
nental shelf agreement into an agreement for the
delimitation of a multiple use zone.
What Is a “Blue Growth”?
“Blue Growth” is a long-term strategy for support-
ing the sustainable growth of the marine and mar-
itime economy. This strategy recognizes the fact
that seas and oceans are drivers of the European
economy’s growth, with huge potential for innova-
tion and development. It is the contribution of the
Integrated Maritime Policy to the fulfilment of the
goals of the “Europe 2020” strategy for smart, sus-
tainable and inclusive growth. The “blue” economy
represents 5.4 million jobs and a total gross value
added of around 500 billion euros. However, there
is potential for further growth in certain areas,
which are identified as part of this strategy. The
Commission aims at ensuring the existence of the
appropriate conditions for the growth of the blue
economy, in order to reduce the strain on maritime
resources and secure a steady framework for
financial investment in the sea.
The Adriatic-Ionian Initiative
The meeting that was held in Brussels on
November 19, 2012, between the foreign minis-
ters of the member states of the Adriatic-Ionian
Initiative (AII), i.e. Greece (Deputy Minister
Dimitris Kourkoulas), Italy, Slovenia, Croatia,
Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia-
Herzegovina, and the European commissioner for
Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn, led to an agree-
ment on the formation of an EU Strategy for the
Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR). The
European Council of December 2012 ratified this
decision and called the European Commission to
present an EU strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian
Region in 2014.
The strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Seas aims
at the smart and sustainable growth of the region.
It is part of the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy
and connects the territories of seven countries:
four EU member states (Greece, Italy, Slovenia,
and Croatia), a candidate country (Montenegro)
and two potential candidates (Albania and
Bosnia-Herzegovina). Serbia, also a candidate
country, is one of the eight members of the
Adriatic-Ionian Initiative. Other countries of the
region also have a political and economic interest
in conducting maritime activities in the Adriatic
and Ionian seas. The Adriatic and the Ionian Seas
constitute one of Europe’s important marine and
maritime regions, and this is why the Commission
encourages cross-border cooperation. It should
be noted that this is the first such initiative in the
Mediterranean basin.
In February 6-7, Greece will host a major special
event in Athens, which will include the presenta-
tion of the results of the consultation that is under-
way in regard to the four pillars of the strategy.
Following this event, the Commission will draft the
Statement on the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and
Ionian Region, as well as its timetable.
The general objective of the Macro-Regional
Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian region is to
promote economic and social prosperity and cre-
ate growth and jobs in the Adriatic and Ionian
region, especially by improving its attractiveness,
competitiveness and connectivity. It is also
expected to assist the European integration of
west Balkan countries. The strategy is focused on
issues of common regional interest and is struc-
tured on the following four pillars: a) innovative
maritime and marine growth; b) connectivity; c)
preserving, protecting, and improving the quality
of the environment; and d) increasing regional
attractiveness. Horizontal issues include a)
research and innovation and b) administrative
capacity building.
