Strengthening the strategic partnership between Greece and France on marine protection, environmental policy and the energy transition was at the heart of talks held in Paris on Wednesday, May 20, between Greece’s Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou and France’s Minister for Ecological Transition, Biodiversity and International Climate and Nature Negotiations, Monique Barbut.
During the meeting, Papastavrou highlighted the significance of French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to Athens and the newly reinforced bilateral partnership signed between the two countries, with a strong emphasis on safeguarding seas, biodiversity and the natural environment.
Particular attention was given to maritime protection and cooperation under the European Ocean Eye Observatory initiative. Papastavrou stressed that the program would provide real-time scientific data on marine ecosystems, including vessel tracking and potential pollution incidents, enhancing the monitoring and protection of coastal waters through advanced digital technologies.
Closer Cooperation on Climate and Energy
Greece and France also agreed to intensify coordination at the European level by establishing a dedicated working group on marine protection within the framework of EU ministerial councils — a move Papastavrou described as a “Greek-French axis for the promotion and protection of the Mediterranean and its ecosystem.”
The discussions further covered the revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and broader climate policy coordination. The Greek minister underlined the need for a climate strategy that remains ambitious yet realistic, balancing environmental goals with industrial competitiveness and public support.
Athens and Paris shared common ground on the importance of front-loaded financing through the ETS and the European Investment Bank to support energy-intensive industries in developing innovative decarbonisation solutions and accelerating electrification across the economy.
Papastavrou reiterated Greece’s support for maintaining free emissions allowances for energy-intensive sectors, with particular focus on shipping. He argued that maritime transport should have its own dedicated allocation mechanism within the ETS — similar to those already in place for industry and aviation — describing the upcoming ETS revision as an opportunity to correct the current imbalance.
For her part, Barbut presented France’s recently adopted energy legislation and outlined a series of innovative electrification programs now being implemented across the country. She also briefed her Greek counterpart on agreements reached during the recent Group of Seven meetings in Paris, especially those targeting illegal fishing and the protection of marine ecosystems — initiatives Papastavrou described as being of particular interest to Greece.
The two ministers concluded by reaffirming their commitment to deeper cooperation and continued exchange of expertise in environmental protection and climate action. Papastavrou also extended an invitation to Barbut to visit Greece in the near future.
