Strengthening strategic cooperation between Greece and France on marine and environmental protection, as well as in critical areas of the energy transition, such as decarbonization and electrification, were the focus of the meeting held yesterday in Paris between the Minister of Environment and Energy, Mr. Stavros Papastavrou, and the French Minister for Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, and International Negotiations on Climate and Nature, Ms. Monique Barbut. The Secretary General for the Natural Environment and Water, Mr. Petros Varelidis, also participated in the meeting.
According to the relevant announcement, Mr. Papastavrou highlighted the significance of the recent visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Athens and the new, strengthened partnership signed between Greece and France, with an emphasis on the protection of the sea, biodiversity, and the natural environment.
The Minister of Environment and Energy emphasized the importance of protecting the seas, as well as the cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the European OceanEye Initiative, noting that “we will have the ability to access useful scientific data in real time, critical information on the quality of the marine ecosystem, the location of vessels—fishing and non-fishing alike—as well as potential incidents of marine pollution.
Thus, technology and digital tools strengthen the framework for protecting the marine environment, enhancing our understanding of our seas, which are an integral part of our identity.”
Greece and France agreed to strengthen their cooperation at the European level and to proceed with the establishment of a group for the protection of the seas, within the framework of the EU Councils of Ministers, a step that Mr. Papastavrou described as “a Greek-French axis for the promotion and protection of the Mediterranean and its ecosystem.”
Discussions also covered the ETS review framework and cooperation in climate policy, where Mr. Papastavrou emphasized to his French counterpart the importance of maintaining an ambitious, yet realistic climate policy, enhancing competitiveness and ensuring public support.
In particular, there was a convergence of views between Greece and France on the need for front-loaded financing from the ETS and through the EIB for energy-intensive industries, to support innovative solutions for their decarbonization, as well as taking initiatives to electrify the economy.
“Greece supports the continuation of free emission allowances for energy-intensive industries, with a particular emphasis on shipping, where it is essential to create a separate allocation key within the ETS—which currently does not exist, unlike those for industry and aviation,” the Minister stated, noting that, “the revision of the ETS presents an opportunity to correct this inequality.”
Ms. Monique Barbut presented the recent energy law passed by the French National Assembly, as well as innovative electrification programs being implemented in France. Furthermore, she briefed her Greek counterpart on the agreements signed within the framework of the G7 in Paris, particularly those concerning illegal fishing and the protection of the marine environment—agreements that Mr. Papastavrou described as being of heightened interest to Greece.
The two ministers agreed to further strengthen close cooperation and the exchange of expertise in protecting the natural environment and addressing climate change. Finally, Mr. Papastavrou invited the French Minister to visit our country soon.