France sees Greece as key maritime partner
French Minister for Transport Philippe Tabarot highlighted the strategic importance of cooperation between Greece and France in the fields of shipping, transportation, infrastructure, and decarbonization during his visit to Greece on the occasion of the international maritime exhibition Poseidonia.
Describing Greece and France as "true friends," the French minister referred to the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, noting that "it is in difficult times that solidarity between our two countries becomes evident."
He also emphasized that Poseidonia has become "a global symbol of the maritime industry," CE Report quotes ANA-MPA.
Tabarot stressed that shipping constitutes a fundamental pillar of both the Greek and French economies, noting that Greece remains "the number one maritime power in the world," accounting for approximately 60% of the European fleet.
"The relationship between Greece and France is not one of competition, but of complementarity," Tabarot stated, adding that both countries have an important role to play on the international stage, including within the framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
He placed particular emphasis on the need to decarbonize transport, both for environmental reasons and for the purposes of energy security and geopolitical sovereignty. Referring to the effects of the climate crisis, he noted that Greece is already experiencing the consequences of climate disruption through an increasing number of wildfires, while stressing that "we can no longer depend on fossil fuels or on countries that are no longer reliable allies."
The French minister also highlighted cooperation between Greece and France in infrastructure and transportation projects, making specific reference to French companies active in Greece’s road network, the Thessaloniki Metro, and the railway sector.
Regarding Greece’s railway network, Tabarot observed that the Tempi rail tragedy "has become part of the collective memory of Europeans" and emphasized that France stands ready to contribute further to the modernization of the Greek railway system.
As he explained, France currently invests 3 billion euros annually in the maintenance of its 28,000-kilometre railway network, while a forthcoming legislative initiative will increase this figure to 4.5 billion per year. He also noted that SNCF Réseau possesses the expertise required to modernize railway networks across Europe, while other French companies could also participate in infrastructure projects through public-private partnerships (PPPs).
Tabarot also referred to the aviation sector, particularly air traffic control, noting that the French technology company Thales offers next-generation solutions and advanced systems capable of meeting Greece’s operational requirements.
"France can provide the appropriate solution," he remarked, expressing confidence in the capabilities of French companies operating in this field.
The minister further underlined that France has remained Europe’s leading destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) for the seventh consecutive year. He attributed this performance to strong political commitment and the "Choose France" strategy, which, he said, has significantly enhanced the country’s attractiveness in infrastructure and energy investment.
He also expressed satisfaction with the Greek government’s approach toward French investment, noting that "the Greek prime minister has always been open to French companies and their expertise."
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