Izola, 9 April 2026 – The 7th Adriatic Maritime Law Conference (AMLC VII) opened in Izola, Slovenia, reaffirming its status as one of the leading maritime law events in the Adriatic-Ionian region. The gathering brought together prominent legal experts, academics, international organisation representatives and policymakers from across Europe and beyond, once again highlighting Izola as an important centre for professional dialogue.
The opening took place at Manzioli Palace, where Mayor Milan Bogatič emphasised Izola’s role as a space for cooperation, knowledge exchange and discussion about the future of the shared maritime area. He noted that maritime law plays a vital role in ensuring navigation safety, environmental protection, port operations and the development of maritime industries and tourism. He also highlighted the involvement of JZP Izola, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
Dr Mitja Grbec, Secretary General of the Slovenian Maritime Law Association, welcomed the Director of the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI, Malta) as an honorary member, stressing the importance of international cooperation and excellence in maritime law.
The first day featured keynote speeches by leading global experts. Giorgio Berlingieri անդրlined the 100-year development of maritime liens and mortgages since the 1926 Brussels Convention. Vesna Tomljenović presented recent European maritime case law, while Dr Marko Pavliha marked the 25th anniversary of the Slovenian Maritime Code. Dr Norman A. Martínez Gutiérrez discussed the role of the International Maritime Organization in shaping global maritime standards.
Speakers also highlighted key issues such as the responsibilities of states within Exclusive Economic Zones, particularly regarding environmental protection and sustainable resource management, as well as the growing role of European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs) in managing shared marine and coastal areas.
Over two days, the conference addressed major topics including harmonisation of maritime law, new technologies in shipping, sustainable port management, marine environmental protection, decarbonisation and challenges in nautical tourism. Discussions stressed the need for stronger implementation of international and EU legal frameworks and closer regional cooperation.
Special focus was given to shipping decarbonisation, including the impact of EU and IMO climate policies. It was noted that the introduction of a Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA) in the Mediterranean has already significantly reduced sulphur emissions.
The conference hosted around 70 participants from more than ten countries, reinforcing its importance as a platform for legal exchange in the Adriatic region. It also contributed to the goals of EUSAIR and broader regional cooperation in sustainable maritime development, with support from the Interreg IPA ADRION programme.
