CLIA Prepares to Host European Summit in Portugal

by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 1:40 PM ET, Thu February 19, 2026

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is hosting its European Summit in Madeira, Portugal, next week.

Scheduled for February 23-26, the event will bring together cruise line leadership, European institutions, national and regional governments and ports and maritime stakeholders to discuss the cruise industry’s role in European transport, tourism and climate policy.

“The European Summit comes at a pivotal moment for dialogue between the cruise sector and policymakers, as Europe defines the next phase of its transport, tourism and climate agenda,” says Bud Darr, president and chief executive officer of CLIA. “The cruise industry supports economic growth and regional connectivity, while progressing environmental technologies and practices align with Europe’s sustainability objectives.”

The 2026 European Summit will be hosted in partnership with the Regional Government of Madeira and the Ports Administration of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (APRAM).

Speakers include: Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism (video address); Hugo Espírito Santo, Secretary of State for Infrastructure of Portugal; Miguel Filipe Machado de Albuquerque, President of the Regional Government of Madeira; Bud Darr, President and CEO of CLIA; Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises; Patrick Verhoeven, Managing Director of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH); Sotiris Raptis, Secretary General of European Shipowners (ECSA); and Christophe Tytgat, Secretary General of SEA Europe, alongside national, regional and city leaders from across Europe. José Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission, Prime Minister of Portugal and current Chairman of Goldman Sachs International, (Invited).