The General Assembly meeting of the CPMR took place on 28-29 October in Agios Nikolaos, hosted by the Region of Crete (Greece).

As a warm up, the CPMR organised on 25 of October, together with the Region of Crete and the European Commission an event targeted at regional authorities, to exchange around Smart Specialisation as a key driver towards Sustainable Blue Economy, and the importance to foster regional cooperation around sea basins to create value chains.

On the 26 of October, the CPMR co-organised with the AspBAN project an Intercommission seminar on "Ports as Hubs of the Blue Economy". The event focused on the changing future of ports within the twin transition and involved CPMR members, port authorities, academia and AspBAN partners. Vice Governor of Crete, George Alexakis opened the event, and Minas Papadakis, CEO of Heraklion Port Authority delivered an inspirational speech: "All crises can be treated as opportunities. For new jobs, new production methods, and why not, a new way of life” he said.

The General Assembly meeting of the CPMR provides the opportunity for members to get together, exchange and have bi-lateral meetings. Geographical Commissions' plenary meetings allow for discussions on common challenges and opportunities around sea basins, and CPMR technical and project meetings provide members with updates on main policy dossiers, actions plans and priorities in different CPMR areas of work.

The CPMR General Assembly meeting kicked-off in the afternoon of the 26th of October. Governor of Crete Stavros Arnaoutakis welcomed CPMR members to Crete, and Greek Minister in charge of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Giannis Plakiotakis, delivered some inspiring welcoming words, saluting the CPMR General Assembly as an opportunity for constructive exchange of views, discussions and proposals concerning regional development, remote areas, and islands – topics of great priority for his Ministry.

 

Source: CPMR Newsletter