A high-level conference on "Insularity: A new development model for growth and jobs" took place in Athens at thε Eugenides Foundation as part of the Greek EU Presidency parrallel events, on April 4. Addressing the event, Shipping & Aegean Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis said that the ministry seeks to help Greek islands reach a level of transportational, economic, supply, energy, educational, health and cultural self-sufficiency, so as to be able to become competitive. According to the minister, there are about 1,000 port projects underway all over Greece, with a total budget of €1 billion. In a reference to making coastal navigation routes more efficient, Varvitsiotis mentioned that the ministry aims to lower operational costs to ships by allowing them to convert to using liquified natural gas (LNG).

European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Maria Damanaki delivered the keynote address. She said that the geographic distribution and distance of most islands from the centre create conditions of exclusion, dependence and isolation on various levels. Damanaki also referred to the initiatives the Commission has undertaken in the area of sea tourism, viewing the crisis as a chance to revisit growth potential. She praised the new Greek yachting and tourist boats bill, also making a reference to the need to extend the tourist season through the introduction of diving, historical, culinary and fishing tourism and organizing international regattas.