The year 2025 begins with global-scale challenges in the economic and geostrategic sectors, reaffirming once again that the only constant is instability.

In this context, shipping is called upon to respond as a key pillar of stability and the assurance of global commodity flows. 
Elections in the European Union and the United States are re- shaping the global chessboard, altering the dynamics of recent years. In Europe, a shift toward more pragmatic approaches to implementing the fundamental strategy of the green transition is emerging. Meanwhile, in the U.S., changes in environmental policy, coupled with trade protectionist measures, are anticipated. 
The European Union places multimodal transport at the heart of the green transition, recognizing that shifting cargo from road- ways to maritime routes and promoting combined transport are of strategic importance to achieving the green transition’s goals. 
At this juncture, the Shortsea Promotion Center in Greece (SPCGreece) assumed the presidency of the European Shortsea Network (ESN) in January 2025 for a two-year term. In this capacity, it plays the role of a central intermediary in consultations 
with the European Commission, aiming to shape and finalize the regulatory framework governing European multimodality while harmonizing national policies. 
Multimodal transport combines various sectors of a broader trans-European network, including rail, ships, trucks—ideally zero-emission—and ports. Its objective is to achieve Europe’s climate neutrality, provide competitive options for cargo owners, and simultaneously reduce final costs for consumers. 
The endeavor is far from easy, requiring coordination across multiple sectors, including logistics, trucks, rail, ships, and ports, as well as the cargo owners’ willingness to opt for more environmen- tally friendly transport methods. 
Thus, the challenge for Europe and SPCGreece lies in the gradual upgrading of railways, the promotion of green infrastructure in ports, and the modernization of road and maritime fleets. These efforts aim to achieve environmental targets in a way that remains sustainable for the business sectors involved while also being competitive for consumers. 
*CHAIRMAN, EUROPEAN SHORTSEA NETWORK