Due to the territorial discontinuity and peripheral position from the mainland, island regions face permanent structural disadvantages that significantly impact their competitiveness. A high-level political debate with representatives of EU institutions and bodies, political representatives, civil society, the private sector and academia seeks to address islands’ challenges and urges EU institutions to strengthen the territorial dimension of EU policies by establishing a regulatory framework tailored to the specific needs of island regions. The event is organised in partnership with the Ionian Islands Region and with the participation of its Governor, Mr Yiannis Trepeklis.
- Cohesion | EU/ European | Local and regional | Maritime (oceans, coasts, islands)
- Code: 15PD252000
- Jacques Delors building, JDE 62
Speakers
Moderator
Practical information
- When
-
Wed 15/10/2025, 09:30 - 11:00 CET
- Where
- Jacques Delors building, JDE 62
- Type of partnership
- Regional partnership
- Format
- Political/policy debate
- Theme
-
The Right to Stay: unlocking the potential of every territory
- Languages
- English, Italian, French
Partners
Autonomous Region of Sardinia
Balearic Islands Government
Collectivity of Corsica
Ministry for Gozo and Planning
Region of Crete
Region Gotland
Government of Åland
Region of South Aegean
Document
agenda-high-level-political-conference-on-eu-islands-(en
Reporting
Session summary
Due to the territorial discontinuity and peripheral position from the mainland, island regions face permanent structural disadvantages that significantly impact their competitiveness.
Although the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) recognises the distinct status of islands, no dedicated policy measures have been introduced at EU level to effectively tackle the handicaps and foster development in these territories.
In this context, the partnership of European peripheral island regions promoted and organised a forum dedicated to insularity, which was included in the official programme of the 23rd edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities.
During the event - which takes the form of a high-level political conference - the political leaders of Sardinia, Balearic Islands, Corsica, Gozo, Crete, Gotland, Åland, and Ionian islands addressed the challenges faced by island regions in a dialogue with the European institutions, stressing the need for a stronger integration of the island dimension into the EU’s legislative process.
The political leaders of the island regions called upon the European Union and its Member States to address the obstacles and legislative barriers faced by island territories. In particular, the importance of recognising the specific territorial condition of islands and the need for tailor-made EU policies for these regions were strongly emphasised.
Strong emphasis was placed on the risks associated with the proposed reforms of EU policies for the post-2027 programming period, which could lead to the centralisation of decision-making, planning and management of European funds, thus diminishing the role of regional authorities in addressing the needs of local communities.
Island regions’ political leaders urged the European Union to adopt a more innovative approach in order to address the competitive disadvantages faced by island territories, in line with the principles of enhanced integration across EU sectoral policies.
Several high-ranking representatives of the EU institutions and bodies contributed to the debate, including the Vice President of the European Parliament, Mr Younous Omarjee, the representative of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Ms Eleni Marianou, the Head of Unit Infrastructure and Regional aid of the DG COMP of the European Commission, Mr Hubert De Broca, the Secretary General of the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy, Mr Manolis Koutoulakis, and the Vice-Chair of the Committee on Budgets of the European Parliament, Mr Giuseppe Lupo.
The political conference was characterised by a high level of participation, with more than 300 attendees, including members of the European Parliament, members of the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee, high-ranking representatives of the European Commission, as well as representatives of island local, regional and national authorities, civil society organisations, and the business community.
Quotes
-
In order to overcome islands’ challenges and strengthen the European integration, we call the EU to provide islands with immaterial infrastructure, i.e. islands-proofing frameworks as well as tailor-made legal provisions, instead of one-fits-all approach
Understanding island territories means understanding all the challenges facing the European Union. Implementing policies adapted to islands means increasing the territorial cohesion of the Union
It is crucial that EU institutions address the reality of island regions and identify the potential, the capacity to generate opportunities, and the need for economic diversification of our islands
Let us show that diversity of geography can be a strength, by fostering vibrant local economies, preserving our cultural heritage, boosting integrated connectivity, and ensuring prosperity across all regions
We need to design a holistic plan for sustainable development based on EU insular policies. We call upon the EU institutions to join forces with the Member States and our regions to turn commitment into action and ensure a resilient future for our islands
The EU has a critical role in ensuring that island regions have full access to the internal market
Islands are ready to contribute to EU competitiveness, but we need the necessary tools! Besides sufficient infrastructure and connectivity for all EU islands, EU policymakers must ensure that remote and local communities can benefit from new innovations
A Europe of cohesion must also be a Europe of its islands. We are not asking for privileges but for fair treatment, equal opportunities, and flexibility in implementing EU policies to keep our youth, strengthen communities, and build a sustainable future
There is no scientific definition of overtourism. Our goal is not to reduce tourism, but to ensure sustainable, resilient, and fair development. Housing crisis is a multifaceted phenomenon, and the EU must address it as a horizontal, pan-European issue
Additional links
https://www.gov.mt/en/Government/DOI/Press%20Releases/Pages/2025/10/16/pr251827.aspx
https://www.crete.gov.gr/anagki-gia-ena-olistiko-schedio-viosimis-anaptyxis-gia-ta-nisia/
