Cohesion objectives beyond cohesion policy

Due to the territorial discontinuity and peripheral position from the mainland, island regions face permanent structural disadvantages that significantly impact their competitiveness. Although the TFEU recognises the distinct status of islands, no dedicated policy measures have been introduced at EU level to foster their development. 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.