by Martin Banks
The initiative, unveiled on Wednesday, marks the first attempt to give Europe’s islands and coastal areas a more coherent policy framework.
The European Commission formally adopted two dedicated strategies, one for EU islands and one for EU coastal communities.
This sets out for the first time a coordinated European approach to support both types of territories and “unlock their long-term potential.”
The two initiatives introduce what the EC calls “a targeted approach”, dedicated to the specific needs and "unique challenges" of 17 million people living on more than 4,000 islands across 16 EU Member States and 95 million people living along the 70,000 km of EU coastlines and in coastal areas across 22 EU countries.
The Commission proposes a “coherent holistic approach” addressing the economy, connectivity, energy, environment, demography and security of islands.
The aim, it said, is to “transform the challenges of these territories into opportunities and lasting strengths.”
Speaking on Wednesday, Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, said, “For the first time, the European Union has dedicated strategies for its islands and coastal communities recognising their unique challenges and high potential.”
He added, “By improving transport, boosting green energy, strengthening local economies, and addressing demographic challenges, we’ll turn obstacles into opportunities, making these territories key to a sustainable, competitive Europe.”
Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, agreed, saying, “Europe’s coasts—home to 95 million people—are where our economy and the ocean meet.
“Yet climate change, from rising seas to biodiversity loss, puts them at risk. Our Coastal Strategy secures their future: strengthening the blue economy, climate-proofing infrastructure, and protecting heritage. From Baltic wind farms to Portuguese pescatourism, we’re turning threats into opportunities.”
Reaction was swift, with Marie-Antoinette Maupertuis, President of the Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions Islands Commission, broadly welcoming the move.
The CPMR warned, though, that a “strategy of this scale” cannot be delivered by Member States alone, saying that regional and local authorities must be “full partners in design, implementation, and monitoring.”
She told this website, “For many years, island regions have called for a dedicated European vision for islands.
"The publication of the first-ever EU Islands Strategy is therefore a welcome and historic step.
"Its success will now depend on its capacity to translate recognition into concrete action for island citizens and territories, with island authorities playing a central role in its implementation and future development, “ added Maupertuis, who is also President of the Assembly of Corsica (France).
Further comment comes from Filip Reinhag, President of the CPMR, who said, “The CPMR has long advocated for EU policies to better reflect the specific challenges, assets and opportunities of maritime regions.
“The EU Strategy for Coastal Communities is an important recognition that these territories deserve greater attention within the EU policy agenda. Its value lies in providing a shared framework and a more integrated approach across territorial policies, but to deliver real impact, it must be matched by strong political commitment, genuine partnership with regional and local authorities, and sustained long-term investment aligned with Europe’s strategic priorities," added Reinhag, also Regional Councillor for the Swedish region of Gotland.
The CPMR says it will further its analysis of the published documents “and continue to push for coherent, well-funded and place-based European policies that ensure islands and coastal communities can fully contribute to Europe’s sustainable and competitive future.”
Elsewhere, Antonella Sberna, Vice-President of the European Parliament and ECR Shadow Rapporteur, has also welcomed the Commission’s new plans.
The MEP said, “I welcome the two strategies presented today by Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto for islands and coastal communities. For the first time, the European Union is giving these territories a coordinated framework for development, recognising their structural disadvantages while also acknowledging their potential for growth.
“Cohesion and sustainability must go hand in hand. At the same time, we must respect the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, and leave territories the responsibility to make choices that reflect their own realities. Islands and coastal communities are not asking for assistance. They are asking for fair conditions to compete, grow and develop,” said the deputy.
By: N. Peter Kramer