Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000622/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Elena Kountoura (The Left)
The EU’s islands and coastal regions face serious, long-standing problems[1], such as limited connectivity with the mainland, inadequate basic infrastructure and shortages in health, education and social services[2]. These problems are particularly evident on the hundreds of Greek islands, where the cost of living for residents and workers has more than doubled in recent years. Unbearable transport costs, the rapid increase in short-term housing rentals and the lack of available housing in tourist destinations lead to continuous price increases in basic goods and services, making life relentlessly difficult for residents. In addition, they are disproportionately affected by the climate and energy crises, natural disasters, environmental and demographic data. Island tourist destinations are at immediate risk of their sustainable and resilient development being undermined, as social, economic and territorial inequalities intensify[3], while small islands face an increased risk of desertion[4].
In view of the above:
- 1.Does the Commission intend to propose a new European strategy and transition plan for the sustainable and resilient development of EU islands and the immediate tackling of inequalities with a corresponding flexible financial framework in the Cohesion Policy?
- 2.What initiatives will the Commission take to improve connectivity and infrastructure resilience and development, and ensure affordable housing in island regions?
- 3.Does the Commission intend to propose a new permanent regional, decentralised fund for the prevention and management of natural disasters in vulnerable regions and in particular on EU islands?
Submitted: 11.2.2025
- [1] See the study of the Committee on Regional Development, ‘Islands of the European Union: State of play and future challenges’, published in March 2021. The insular nature creates structural problems of dependence on sea and air transport, which constitute a public service on which the daily life of European citizens living on islands depends, with additional costs for the import and export of goods, mainly energy raw materials and consumer products, as well as for the transport of passengers.
- [2] There are significant shortages of auxiliary and medical personnel, ambulances and medical equipment.
- [3] One of the starkest disadvantages of islands lies in their geomorphological and natural conditions. Therefore, islands have a double or triple natural disadvantage when their insular nature and mountainous morphology are combined with the fact that they are part of an archipelago.
- [4] Since 1950, 51 Greek islands have been deserted.