Speeches
Commissioner Maria Damanaki
Women's Role in the Public Sphere
11/01/2013
Commissioner Maria Damanaki delivered a keynote speech at the event "Women's Role in the Public Sphere", organised by the Greek Association of Women Academics (Ελληνική Εταιρεία Γυναικών Πανεπιστημιακών) with the aim to bring once more to the forefront, the lack of presence of women in the public sphere, especially in leading positions in politics, education and the economy. Commissioner Damanaki highlighted in her speech EU initiatives that help support women, such as the recently voted 'Women on Boards' initiative by Vice President Commissioner Reding, that calls for 40% of non-executive board members to be women. The Commissioner concluded by noting that in times like these we cannot operate on a 'business as usual' basis. With realism, flexibility and persistence, the EU will continue to be committed to the fight for equality.
Maritime affairs
Maritime piracy: strengthening the EU response
24/01/2013
Commissioner Maria Damanaki delivered a keynote speech at the event organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) for the presentation of its opinion "Maritime piracy: strengthening the EU response". Piracy is a complex and quickly evolving problem affecting European Union consumers, businessmen, seafarers, ship-owners and taxpayers. In 2012, six seamen were murdered and 448 were held hostage; moreover, estimated costs amount to EUR 5.5-9.5 billion per annum.
Maritime affairs and fisheries
Spain: A case in point for Blue Growth
23/01/2013
Commissioner Maria Damanaki delivered a keynote speech at a luncheon debate, organised by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg, discussing issues relevant to the EU Blue Growth strategy and ways to boost sustainable growth in the European marine and maritime economy.
The Arctic: an EU Perspective
21/01/2013
Commissioner Maria Damanaki delivered a keynote speech at the annual Arctic Frontiers Conference, taking place in Tromsø between 20 and 25 January. The conference - one of the most important Arctic conferences in the world - gathers a wide group of stakeholders, including business representatives, NGOs, policymakers, scientists and academics from all over the globe to discuss future scenarios for the Arctic.
