Source: European Parliament
Islands face specific economic and social vulnerabilities, arising from their insularity and remoteness. Their distinct needs require tailor-made approaches.
Through EU cohesion policy, which is designed to tackle regional, economic and social disparities, particular attention is paid to these areas, as enshrined in Article 174 of the TFEU.
In the 2021-2027 period, at least EUR 14.8 billion are allocated from cohesion policy (from the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the Just Transition Fund ) for investments supporting islands.
This is to support investments for competitiveness, green transition, better connectivity, housing, sustainable tourism and inclusive growth. Member States can also use cohesion policy to support disaster risk management, particularly financing prevention and response measures.
Islands and coastal communities are a key focus in the preparation of the Ocean Pact. The Commission is launching a study on the opportunities and resilience in coastal communities to support its future work[1].
In addition, the Commission will put forward a European Affordable Housing Plan which will consider the housing situation in island regions.
The Commission’s ‘Clean energy for EU islands’ initiative[2] accelerates decarbonisation of islands’ energy systems and facilitates exchange of best practices.
Furthermore, the EU’s trans-European transport network policy[3] incorporates the new concept of a European Maritime Space to strengthen the integration of islands into the European Single Market and advance territorial cohesion.
Preparations for the next Multiannual Financial Framework are still ongoing, and it is too early to anticipate any decisions on new funding for any policy area.
- [1] Results are foreseen for Q4 2025.
- [2] https://clean-energy-islands.ec.europa.eu/
- [3] Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1153 and (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013, OJ L, 2024/1679, 28.6.2024.