The Security and Defence Academy of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus and the French Institute for Advanced Studies in National Defence (IHEDN) organize the seminar “The Challenges of Maritime Security for the European Union: Focusing on the Eastern Mediterranean Area”. The said seminar is organized under the auspices of the European College of Security and Defence at the “ZENON” Coordination Center in Larnaca from May 14-16, 2024.

Maritime security in the Mediterranean concerns over 500 million people, of which 150 million live on the coasts, and constitutes key factor for economic development, protection of the environment, sustainability of natural resources and quality of life.

The aim of the seminar is to inform the participants about maritime security policies, strategies and missions/operations at a European level. In addition, it will provide the opportunity to become familiar with institutional, legal and operational aspects linked to the implementation of the European Maritime Security Strategy (EUMSS).

The total of 40 seminar participants come from 10 countries (Cyprus, Romania, Portugal, Poland, France, Malta, Spain, Greece, Belgium and Italy). On the part of the Republic of Cyprus, the seminar was attended by personnel from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence.

The seminar is open both to civil and military personnel from member states, EU institutions and bodies.

Greetings during the opening ceremony, on May 14, 2024, were addressed by the Deputy Minister of European Affairs, Mrs. Marilena Rauna, the General Director of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, Mr. Stelios Chimonas, and the Ambassador of France in Cyprus, Mrs. Salina Grenet – Catalano in the presence of the ambassadors of Greece, Egypt, the Netherlands, and other diplomats accredited in the Republic of Cyprus.

On the last day of the seminar, signed certificates by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, will be awarded to the participants who have successfully completed the seminar and the online courses of the European Security College and Defence.

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