The Annual Ordinary General Assembly of the Union of Cruise Ship Owners and Maritime Entities (EEKFN) was held, during which the Union’s action report for 2025 was presented and the prospects and challenges facing the cruise industry at a national and international level were discussed.
In the context of the proceedings of the General Assembly:
•The Union’s achievements for the year 2025 were presented to the members.
•The report of the Audit Committee on the financial management of the year 2025 was submitted.
•The budget for the year 2026 was approved.
•A new three-member Audit Committee was elected to audit the management of the year 2026.
During his address, the President of the Union of Cruise Ship Owners and Maritime Entities, Mr. Georgios Koubenas, referred to the significant contribution of cruising to the national economy, employment, and the development of local communities connected to the activity of the country’s ports.
At the same time, he emphasized that the further development of cruising in Greece requires the planning and implementation of a comprehensive National Strategy for cruising and maritime tourism, as well as close cooperation between the State, local government, ports, and the private sector.
Special reference was made to the impacts of geopolitical developments and regional conflicts, which affect the safety of navigation and the scheduling of cruise companies’ itineraries, making it necessary to constantly monitor developments and adapt the industry’s policies.
Mr. Koubenas also stressed the need for timely and substantive consultation with the industry on any measure or fee affecting the operation of cruising and the long-term business planning of companies. As he stated, EEKFN, as the institutional representative of the industry, remains at the disposal of the State and the competent authorities, in order to contribute with substantiated proposals to addressing issues concerning cruising and maritime tourism.
“Substantive dialogue and the utilization of the industry’s experience are key prerequisites for formulating effective policies, ensuring conditions of healthy competition, and enhancing the international competitiveness of Greek cruise destinations,” he characteristically noted.
Concluding his speech, the President of the Union thanked the members for their ongoing support and contribution to the work of EEKFN and wished for health, safety, stability in the areas of vessel operation, and a successful tourist season.
“The cooperation of all involved bodies is a key prerequisite for the sustainable development of cruising in our country and for maintaining Greece among the top cruise destinations internationally,” concluded Mr. Koubenas.
Union of Cruise Ship Owners and Maritime Entities Press Release
