31/08/2026 (Agence Europe) – Greek Minister for Maritime Affairs Vassílis Kikílias said on Monday 31 August that he was “concerned” by the direction taken by the preparatory discussions between EU Member States with a view to the adoption of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) ‘net zero’ framework. In a message published on X, he deplored a lack of understanding and flexibility, “without duly taking into consideration the issues raised by the Member States that account for more than 70% of EU maritime transport”. “I fear that the persistence of rigid approaches will ultimately compromise the prospects for convergence and, in the end, for reaching an agreement within the IMO,” he added. The IMO intersessional meeting on reducing greenhouse gases begins this Tuesday in London, paving the way for the 85th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee, scheduled for 30 November to 3 December. (JV)